Baldur’s Gate 3 Won’t Be on Game Pass or PS Plus: Larian Studios’ Stance on Subscription Services
Larian Studios, the developer behind the award-winning RPG Baldur’s Gate 3, has made it clear that their game won’t be available on popular subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. CEO Swen Vincke expressed his concerns about the dominating trends in the market that lean towards subscription models, and how he believes these models come with their own set of drawbacks.
Vincke’s Argument Against Subscription Services
In response to Ubisoft’s Philippe Tremblay’s statement that emphasized players becoming “comfortable” with not actually owning their video games, Vincke took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his concerns. He stated that subscription models could lead to a select group of curators deciding which games make it to market, instead of supporting direct transactions between developers and players.
“Getting a board to ok a project fueled by idealism is almost impossible and idealism needs room to exist, even if it can lead to disaster,” Vincke wrote. “Subscription models will always end up being cost/benefit analysis exercises intended to maximize profit. In such a world, by definition, the preference of the subscription service will determine what games get made. Trust me – you really don’t want that.”
While acknowledging that launching games on subscription platforms has indeed given some games a larger audience, Vincke firmly stated that Larian’s games, including Baldur’s Gate 3, won’t be offered on such services. He emphasized the continued merit in selling games for full price.
The Alternatives for Gamers
Despite not being available on the popular platforms of Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, gamers still have various options to experience Baldur’s Gate 3. Since its release on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5, the game has become widely accessible. It offers cross-platform gameplay which allows players from different platforms to enjoy the game together, providing ample avenues for gamers to experience this beloved RPG.
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Other Games That Took A Similar Approach
Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t the only game to shy away from subscription models in recent years. Other popular titles like ‘The Elder Scrolls 6’ and ‘Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order’ have decided against joining subscription services, choosing to focus on direct sales instead. These successful games exemplify that an absence from subscription platforms doesn’t always spell doom for a gaming title.
Final Thoughts
As the gaming industry continues to grapple with issues like skyrocketing costs and layoffs, the debate surrounding subscription services and direct pricing models remains an ongoing concern. While some titles have found success on Game Pass and PS Plus, the reality is every game’s situation is unique. Today, the fate of smaller projects and idealistic games depends on how they opt to bring their creations into the hands of eager players. Larian Studios’ decision to keep Baldur’s Gate 3 off subscription platforms showcases their commitment to prioritizing their ideals over a potential market-dictated outcome.
