Xbox console exclusiveStarfield’s official release date is September 6, but the game’s September 1 early access date sets up a big showdown withPS5 timed-console exclusiveBaldur’s Gate 3, set to launch just one day earlier, on August 31.
The recent Starfield Direct presentation seems to have greatly increased hype for Bethesda’s open world sci-fi RPG. While there are some fans who are skeptical aboutStarfieldafterFallout 76, others believe it will be a return to form for Bethesda.Starfieldis climbing the Steam sales charts in the wake of the Starfield Direct presentation, and as long as there are no catastrophic problems at launch, it seems safe to say thatStarfieldis going to be one of 2023’s biggest games.
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Another game that has potential to be one of the biggest games of 2023 isBaldur’s Gate 3from Larian Studios. Larian has produced some of the highest-rated RPGs ever with itsDivinity: Original Singames, and so expectations are high forBaldur’s Gate 3. TheBaldur’s Gate 3early access contenthas been well-received by fans and all signs are pointing to the game being yet another homerun for Larian.
Baldur’s Gate 3 on PS5 vs. Starfield on Xbox Series X
What’s interesting aboutStarfieldandBaldur’s Gate 3is that not only are the two both western RPGs, but they are console exclusive games releasing in extremely close proximity to each other.Baldur’s Gate 3will likely come to Xbox at some point down the line, but at launch, it will only be available on Mac, PC, and PlayStation 5.Starfield, meanwhile, is only releasing on PC and Xbox Series X/S consoles, and it’sunlikely to ever have a PS5 release.
Officially, there’s a week between the release dates ofBaldur’s Gate 3andStarfield, with the former scheduled to launch on August 31 and the latter set to release on September 6. However, Bethesda recently revealedStarfield’s early access plans. Those that plan on buying theStarfieldPremium Edition for $99.99 or the $34.99 Premium upgrade can start playing on September 1 instead. While not the exact release date ofBaldur’s Gate 3, it does put the two RPGs right up against each other, to the point where those who were planning on getting both may now have to pick between one or the other.
It’s possible that the console exclusivity may work in the favor of the two games. Those on PS5 will getBaldur’s Gate 3, whilethose on Xbox will getStarfield, or at least play it through Xbox Game Pass. When it’s all said and done, it will be interesting to see if the PS5-only RPG or the Xbox-only RPG proved to be more popular.
Of course, those on PC have the choice between both games, and they may ultimately decide ifBaldur’s Gate 3orStarfieldcomes out on top. WithStarfieldavailable day one through Game Pass, including the PC version, it’s possible PC gamers will play it through the subscription service and buyBaldur’s Gate 3outright, but even eliminating the financial angle, gamers still have limited time, and so only one of these western RPGs will be able to come out on top.
