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Baldur’s Gate 3’s Release Date

Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the most eagerly anticipated upcoming role-playing video games in development today. As the latest sequel in the esteemed Baldur’s Gate franchise, fans have been anxiously looking forward to its release date announcement ever since the game’s reveal in 2019.

In this extensive post, we’ll explore the history of the Baldur’s Gate series, provide context around Baldur’s Gate 3’s development, analyze all the release date hints and clues so far, and outline what to expect from the game at launch.

Overview of the Baldur’s Gate Series

To understand the legacy Baldur’s Gate 3 is building upon, it’s important to first look back at the impact of the previous games in the franchise.

Baldur’s Gate (1998)

Developed by BioWare, published by Interplay Entertainment
Used 2nd Edition Dungeons & Dragons rules
Focused on story, exploration, tactical combat
Critically acclaimed, sold over 2 million copies

Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000)

Further improved Infinity Engine graphics, gameplay systems
Deeper characterization, moral choices, quests
Considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made

Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance Series (2001-2004)

Action RPG spin-offs for consoles by Snowblind Studios
More hack-and-slash focused gameplay
Brought franchise to new audiences

So in summary, the original Baldur’s Gate games pioneered tactical RPG storytelling and mechanics, making them classics.

Announcement and Information on Baldur’s Gate 3

After years of inactivity, there was great excitement when Larian Studios announced Baldur’s Gate 3 in June 2019.

Initial E3 2019 Reveal

Developed by Larian Studios
Will continue Bhaal storyline from previous games
Uses Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules

Early Previews

Early reveals at events showcased:

Classes like Cleric, Fighter, Wizard
Isometric camera but modern 3D graphics
Emphasis on player choice branching narratives
Co-op multiplayer support

Impressions were very positive, with fans reassured Larian would stay true to the series’ roots while modernizing gameplay.

Speculation on Release Date Timeframe

Larian Studios has not committed to an exact date, but there are informative clues based on their statements and development plans:

Early Access Launch Plans

Larian intends to launch Baldur’s Gate 3 first in Early Access:

PC platforms first, possibly Google Stadia too
About 1 year length estimated for Early Access
Only Act 1 available initially for feedback
Full price but discounts for early buyers

The full launch will likely follow Early Access by around 1 year.

Estimates by Industry Analysts

While speculative, some analysts have proposed possible timelines:

Early Access in early 2023
Full launch late 2023 or early 2024
Fits with expected 4 year development cycle

These align with Larian’s Early Access goals and seem reasonable.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic that began in 2020 has likely caused some development delays:

Transition to remote work challenged collaboration
Creative processes like mocap may have been disrupted
But relief from events allowed focus on production

The exact impact is uncertain but some delays are probable.

Release Platforms and Editions

Here’s what to expect in terms of platforms and purchasing options at launch:

Platforms

PC

Exclusive to PC in Early Access
Steam and GOG confirmed
Consoles later for full launch

PC allows the complexity players expect.

Google Stadia

Possible even for Early Access
Makes sense given Stadia reveal
Streaming suits next-gen graphics

Widens player access without needing high-end PC.

Consoles

Full launch on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Power needed for best performance
Controls will be re-mapped from mouse/keyboard

Consoles expand the audience but take time to port properly.

Editions & Pre-Orders

Standard Edition

Base $59.99 digital/physical release

Deluxe Edition

$79.99 digital only
Bonus in-game items
Pre-order discounts likely

Collector’s Edition

No details yet but likely $99.99 – $149.99
Physical extras like art book, figurines

Multiple tiers cater to all budgets and desired extras. Pre-orders also build revenue.

Content and Polish at Launch

The amount of content and overall polish will depend on whether Baldur’s Gate 3 has launched in Early Access or as a full release.

Early Access Scope

The Early Access version will only include Act 1:

Estimated 25+ hours just for Act 1 content
Introduces setting and core mechanics
Only 2 races and classes available initially
Level cap around 4
Placeholder art and voice acting

This focused scope facilitates robust feedback.

Polish Level

As a work-in-progress, polish will be lower in Early Access:

UI, systems, and features still being iterated on
Bugs and technical issues to be expected
Frequent patches planned

The focus is on evaluating content and mechanics rather than optimization.

Full Launch Scope

The 1.0 version will expand the content and polish:

Full storyline across multiple acts
More races and classes unlocked
Much larger worldspace
Triple the levels with cap around 10
Next-gen graphics and features implemented
Far more polished, stable, and optimized

This full experience will require extensive playtesting and tweaking.

Ongoing Updates Leading to Launch

To build hype and provide transparency, Larian shares regular development updates:

Developer Livestreams & Videos

Swen Vincke hosts streams showcasing new gameplay
Gives insight into design process and philosophy
Interacts with community questions

Fans get valuable sneak peeks at the game in progress.

Conventions & Events

Larian brings updated builds to conventions
Opportunity to reveal new content
Journalist hands-on impressions and previews generated

Events keep buzz going and address criticisms or concerns.

Interviews & Articles

Swen Vincke participates in print/video interviews
Discusses development status and specific features
Manages expectations around scope and release timeline

This engages press and influencers to spread word on the game.

Conclusion

While an exact date remains unconfirmed, these insights into Baldur’s Gate 3’s development cycle, platform plans, and launch content goals give a clearer picture of when we can expect to play this hugely anticipated sequel. Larian Studios’ commitment to transparency and steady communication keeps fans like us informed and excited for the journey ahead. Whenever Baldur’s Gate 3 does finally release, be it later this year or further in the future, it will undoubtedly be a massive event in gaming.