The Dungeons and Dragons-based RPG has over 170 hours of cinematics and is roughly four times the size of Divinity: Original Sin 2.
Baldur’s Gate 3 from Larian Studios was slated to release on August 31st for PC and PS5. However, it’s been preponed for the former and will now launch on August 3rd for Steam and GOG. Meanwhile, the PS5 version will release on September 6th.
In a press release, Michael Douse, director of publishing, said, “We’ve always been a studio that aims to release on as many platforms as possible, in order of readiness. We’ve also aimed for the highest possible quality on every platform we’ve released on. We’re at a point where we’re reaching 60 frames per second on PlayStation 5, which is remarkable considering the breadth and depth Baldur’s Gate 3 aims for.”
Douse also confirmed that the RPG would have over 170 hours of cinematics, making it “more than twice the length of the entirety of Game of Thrones, and more than three times the dialogue of all three Lord of the Rings novels combined.” It’s touted as roughly four times larger than Divinity: Original Sin 2. “Reaching a technical bar that matches our design ambitions felt like the right move while holding back the PC version when we knew we’d be ready felt like the wrong move in such a busy launch period.”
Studio CEO and creative director Swen Vincke added, “We set out to make a game that would reward player creativity and truly bring Dungeons and Dragons to life in a cinematic way that explores the breadth and depth RPGs can offer. Baldur’s Gate 3 has become an astronomical game that never fails to surprise, and I’m super proud of the team.”
Also, if you’re worried about already spending so much time with the game in early access, Vincke confirms that it comprises “less than a quarter of what Baldur’s Gate 3 has to offer. I cannot wait to hear the stories our players will tell when the full game releases. It’s time to gather your party.”
Larian also confirmed other details, like seven playable protagonists with their objectives and stories (though you can also use the Character Creation system to make your own). There are 11 races, 31 sub-races, 12 classes, 46 subclasses, and more than 600 spells and actions. It’s looking to showcase the “full scope” of the title on its Panel from Hell: Release Showcase on July 7th.