The Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access release date has been delayed yet again, pushing it back beyond its planned launch of September 30, 2020. Thankfully, this new delay isn't going to be as severe as in previous instances.
Baldur's Gate 3 is shaping up to be an excellent CRPG with all of the fixins players are looking for. Unfortunately, development of this new game has been somewhat hampered by the challenges of the 2020 pandemic.
First, Larian Studios announced that they were still targeting a 2020 release despite the remote work slowdown. It then aimed for an early August 2020 launch, but that was pushed back to sometime later in the year. We then got a (sort of) firm confirmation of a September 30 release date, but the game has now been delayed once more.
Why Was the Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access Release Date Delayed Again?
The reason for the delay was explained in a tweet on Larian Studio's official account.
Our guiding principle for early access is that it's fine for there to be smaller bugs or a few things that are lacking polish, but it needs to offer a fun gameplay experience with as few crashes as possible[.]
We're nearly there but we had a few unexpected delays, and we still have some stability issues we're sifting through. Because of the delays, our translations are also later than expected and we want to ensure localization for the announced Early Access languages is strong enough for our international fans to have a good time.
The statement from Larian goes on to explain that the game also needs to pass the "World Tester" diagnostics that check for any obvious problems with the game's code. These tests are still running and Larian says that results are looking good, but it seems that the developers want to give it a little more time for this to finish, too.
Put A Little Love in Your Heart
The Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access release date delay is certainly disappointing, but it's not all bad news. The developers have released new details on how the game's romance system will work.
You'll have the ability to put a custom character in the game, but most of your party is going to be comprised of companions. Your fellow fighters will each have their own likes, dislikes, motivations, and allegiances, and your choices throughout the game will affect your relationship with them.
Naturally, players will need to rest at campfires, and that's where the conversation can get really deep. This will give you
"Through a mix of systems design, narrative writing, and cinematics, Larian is aiming to create three-dimensional relationships that feel as authentic as possible,"
read the Steam Community announcement.
"The point is, no matter which race or gender you are, or which class you are, the levels of intimacy party members share will be defined by extremely in-depth, life-like evaluation of everything you’ve been up to together," the announcement continued. "We’ve tried to create an authentic, reactive relationship system where characters act and react like people. For better, and for worse."
When is the New Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access Release Date?
The new Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access release date will be October 6, 2020, for PC via Steam and GOG and for Google Stadia.
That is, of course, unless there aren't any more problems. It's entirely possible that some other hiccup could cause the game to be pushed back yet again, but Larian Studios seems determined to get the game out on this new release date. For now, you can add Baldur's Gate 3 to your wishlist on Steam. You can also learn more about the game on its official website.
Are you sad to see the Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access release date delayed yet again? Do you think the game's romance system will be good? Let us know in the comments below!
