From the dusky alcoves of Larian Studios, a tempestuous force emerged this month, the long-awaited sequel of one of the longest-selling properties in gaming – Baldur’s Gate 3. After a monumental debut on PC, this titan of a game is now gearing up for its PlayStation 5 release on September 6, promising an enriched experience for the gaming community.
It’s not just another sequel in the gaming arena. Baldur’s Gate 3’s tale is one of resounding triumph. With a staggering 875,000 concurrent players shortly after its PC launch, it quickly championed the Steam charts. In fact, during its first weekend, a whopping 25% of total playtime across Steam was devoted to this game. A simple fact more remarkable when you consider the stiff competition from heavy hitters such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Diablo IV, and Final Fantasy 16.
Larian Studios, once an unproven developer, might just be on the precipice of joining the pantheon of gaming greats. Its trajectory has been compared to how FromSoftware rose to fame – emerging seemingly out of obscurity, delivering instant classics that captivated the masses. Indeed, Baldur’s Gate 3 might be Larian’s Grand Theft Auto III moment.
PS5 players, prepare for adventure.
Pre-loads for @baldursgate3 begin August 31st for Digital Deluxe Edition owners.
Not Pre-Ordered? There's still time: https://t.co/XPEHAxzByn pic.twitter.com/AjP4ccotFN
— Larian Studios (@larianstudios) August 16, 2023
We”ll find out soon enough if Baldur’s Gate 3 can maintain its momentum when it finally hits the PlayStation 5.
As a bonus, to prevent the issues faced by Baldur’s Gate 3 on the PC at launch, Larian Studios has confirmed a preload date, August 31. From then, players can start downloading Baldur’s Gate 3, which should weigh a massive 122GB if not more on the PlayStation 5. Unfortunately, the said date only applies to Digital Deluxe Edition owners. Those with the standard version can preload from September 4, which is just two days from the game’s release.
The game, lauded for its impeccable design and narrative, also ushers in a renaissance for Western-developed turn-based RPGs. Although it’s worth noting that Larian isn’t the sole torchbearer for this genre’s revival. They’re riding a wave that other developers have contributed to, yet their distinct touch is palpable in the vast and intricate world of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Going back to the topic of editions, the Digital Deluxe Edition, retailing at $79.99, offers early preload and access perks and entices with in-game extras. Enthusiasts will find the Divinity Bard song pack, a unique dice theme, and Treasures from Rivellon pack among others. Yet, what’s most tantalizing is the early access period on September 2, giving them a head start in their journey.
The route to PS5 hasn’t been without its fair share of hitches. Most notably, Larian ducked Starfield and chose to release the PC port earlier. It remains to seen if Baldur’s Gate 3 can truly take on the upcoming space faring opera from Bethesda.
Fingers crossed, once Larian Studios has taken care of the PS5 port, it’s all hands on deck on the Xbox Series S/X port of Baldur’s Gate 3.
At this point, Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just a game; it’s a phenomenon. From its impressive concurrent player statistics to the accolades from esteemed platforms like OpenCritic and Metacritic, it’s evident that this game has etched an indelible mark in the annals of gaming.
In the ever-evolving gaming realm, it’s these unexpected gems that help redefine boundaries, and Larian Studios, with Baldur’s Gate 3, has undoubtedly crafted a glittering jewel.
