Bow before the Absolute! No game this year can rival Baldur’s Gate 3, the RPG sensation that has won the hearts of fans and awards in equal measure. Given this, should we really be surprised that Larian Studios is steering clear of any conversations to bring the game to Game Pass? I think NOT!
In a recent interview with IGN, Swen Vincke, the man to thank for giving us Astarion, stated unequivocally that Baldur’s Gate 3 will not be joining Microsoft’s buffet-style gaming service. Vincke did not miss the chance to highlight that Larian crafted a “big game” with a “fair price” and not a single microtransaction in sight.
Honestly, for a game that demands over 140 hours for a thorough playthrough, and considering how entertaining it is, it makes complete sense that Larian Studios is opting for a direct sales model. Vincke’s stance on subscription services underscores a hot-button issue that has been swirling in the gaming community.
Some developers have applauded the way such platforms cast a wide net, casting their games into a sea of players and potential fans. Yet, some feel that these subscription services cheapen their hard work. In fact, Sony’s outgoing chief, Jim Ryan, has joined in the latter’s chorus of concern.
Microsoft has maintained that Game Pass enhances sales, as it gives players the chance to sample first before they buy a certain title. It’s ironic given this is the same company that admitted adding games to Game Pass results in a decrease in sales of those games.
When players pay for games, especially those made by independent and smaller studios, they’re not only showing their support for the hard work involved; they’re also giving them a chance to keep making more and better games. With multiple awards under its belt, it’s clear to everyone that Baldur’s Gate 3 stands on its own merits.
Despite being based on Dungeons & Dragons, a rather niche game, it has achieved widespread critical and audience acclaim, proving its appeal to a broad audience. The fact that it’s also available across multiple platforms, including the Xbox Series X/S, negates the need to add the game to Game Pass (yeah, we know it’s not on the Switch. Sorry, Nintendo fans).
If this doesn’t convince you, then ruminate on this: Why would Larian Studios add a game that’s sold approximately over 8 million copies to Game Pass? Better yet, why would it add a game that’s not just holding its own but absolutely dominating the Xbox Store to Game Pass?
