Baldur's Gate 3's Accidental PS5 Console Exclusivity Truncated as Xbox Backtracks | Push Square

28.08.2023 - 00:27 / pushsquare.com / Phil Spencer / Swen Vincke

Baldur’s Gate 3 will launch as a PS5 console exclusive early next month – but in a rare occurrence, there’s been no behind-the-scenes shenanigans from Sony to make that the case. The reason the game is coming to Sony’s system before the Xbox Series X|S has always been due to development issues with Microsoft’s machine, specifically it’s cheaper, lower-powered new-gen option.

The problem, according to Larian Studios, is that it’s been unable to effectively get split-screen running on the low-cost Xbox Series S, and as Microsoft has mandated parity between its two consoles, it meant it needed to delay the game while it worked through the issues. Now, perhaps in response to the release’s sensational Metacritic score, the Redmond firm has backtracked.

Writing on Twitter, CEO Swen Vincke said that following discussions with Xbox chief Phil Spencer, Baldur’s Gate 3 will now come to Xbox later this year. There is a caveat, however: the Xbox Series S version will not feature split-screen co-op. Before this backtrack on Microsoft’s part, it was assumed the title wouldn’t release until next year on the Redmond firm’s formats.

While there is no date attached, this does make PS5’s accidental period of console exclusivity shorter, but it’ll still get the game first – in a little under two weeks, in fact. It’ll be interesting to see what this means for Microsoft’s strategy moving forward, as it’s always billed Xbox Series S as a low-cost entry into the new generation, but this move may set a precedent where developers cut features from the device, making it less enticing than originally intended.

A true PlayStation veteran, Sammy's covered the world of PS gaming for years, with an enormous Trophy count to prove it. He also likes tennis games way more than you.

Xbox Series S, the console of compromise.

@General_Disarray This certainly doesn't help. I imagine now the plaster's been ripped off, this will happen more frequently at this point.

@General_Disarray Just recently the Series S has been sold for 180€ during Prime Days. I guess for that price people should expect some compromises compared to the Series X

Never really seen the point of the Series S. Even if i were on a limited budget, i'd wait longer until i could afford a Series X.

So much for the parity between the S and X. Now this has happened once more and more developers will do the same going forward.

Hopefully the series S holding back
developers doesn't effect us playstation gamers with third party games not being the best they can because of compromises they have to make.

Glad it's coming to Xbox sooner, it should be enjoyed by everyone wanting to play it

Phil «Desperate» Spencer

@LightningLeader Why do we need to care for Xbox players, they don't