Baldur's Gate 3 Split-Screen Co-op a Post Launch Prospect on Xbox Series S

[T0@st]

The Xbox Series version of Baldur's Gate 3 was at risk of being delayed into 2024, thanks to Microsoft enforcing a policy of feature parity across S and X consoles. Larian Studios is reportedly still struggling to get split-screen co-operative mode running on Xbox Series S hardware, even with deployment of first party assistance. Swen Vincke, founder and CEO of Larian Studios, discussed these technical issues with Microsoft Gaming's head honcho at Gamescom last week—their tête-à-tête resulted in a positive outcome: "Super happy to confirm that after meeting Phil Spencer yesterday, we've found a solution that allows us to bring Baldur's Gate 3 to Xbox players this year still, something we've been working towards for quite some time." The game is due to launch—feature complete—on PlayStation 5 in early September, so Team Xbox appears keen to play catch up with its arch rival.

Vincke elaborated on the compromise: "All improvements will be there, with split-screen coop on Series X. Series S will not feature split-screen co-op, but will also include cross-save progression between Steam and Xbox Series." A firm release date has not been confirmed yet, but the official Xbox Twitter account later revealed that Microsoft engineers are committed to collaborating with the game's development team and resolve technical hurdles: "To answer some questions we're getting, we'll continue to work with Larian to explore the addition of split-screen on Series S post launch."



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[Deleted member 185088]

Development priorities, the PS5 and Series are the same, it'll take time to implement this feature in the less powerful series S.

 

[THU31]

They should definitely help the developers if they expect feature parity on a console that's cut down in every department. It's in their own interest to help get the game released.

 

[Guwapo77]

The Xbox Series S should have never been released in the first damn place. What Microsoft should have done was to go the Sony route and just remove the disc drive, but nooooo they needed gut the system to save a dollar or two on each system. If they decide to participate in the next gen consoles, I hope they don't make this mistake again.