In November 2023, Larian announced the release of a physical version of their latest hit game, Baldur’s Gate 3. This special edition harkened back to the format of old PC games, containing the physical title, a world map, stickers, patches, and the original soundtrack on three CDs. The only thing missing was the bonus content from the Deluxe edition, which was provided separately through a download code. This code became the center of attention in our story.
Originally planned for the first quarter, this edition faced delays due to production chain issues, especially for the Xbox edition which ended up spanning across four discs instead of three. The studio kept players informed, and just before the copies were delivered, players received an email containing the aforementioned code. However, Xbox Series players were in for a surprise when they realized that the code, when entered, did not grant access to the bonus content as expected but instead unlocked the entire game. While this was a pleasant surprise, it did raise some concerns about the extra content and the accidental provision of the digital version.
Recently, Larian addressed this issue via email, acknowledging an error in the generation of the codes. They stated, “Although we are delighted that many of you have received your physical copy of the Deluxe edition of Baldur’s Gate 3, some of you may have noticed that your Xbox Series X|S DLC codes mistakenly granted access to the entire game. […] If you have already used your code […], you will be able to keep the digital version of the game you have access to, and we will send a new code to all owners of this Xbox Series X|S edition with the correct content.”
In essence, players affected by this issue will not see the game disappear from their library. Larian takes responsibility for the mistake, which actually benefits the players. Codes granting access to the bonus content are already being distributed. To claim the extra digital content (character sheets, artbook, and soundtrack), activate the new code and visit the official website with your credentials.
Born in 1998 by BioWare (known for Dragon Age, Mass Effect), Baldur’s Gate quickly became a popular adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game. After two main installments and several spin-offs, the franchise went dormant, much to the disappointment of fans. However, in 2019, Wizards of the Coast announced Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Belgian studio Larian. Partially funded by Stadia, the game entered early access in late 2020 and was officially released in August 2023. Continuously updated with new gameplay options and endings, Baldur’s Gate 3 exemplifies ongoing support and transparency towards players about upcoming changes.
Released in a year filled with highly anticipated titles like Final Fantasy XVI, the new Zelda, and Starfield, Baldur’s Gate 3 managed to shine brightly, surpassing the studio’s and critics’ expectations. The game dominated various gaming award ceremonies, proving that there is still a place for traditional RPGs and that complex mechanics can appeal to a wide audience if executed well. After years of development, the studio announced that there would be no expansion for the game, opting instead to focus on two new projects to be revealed in due time.