The compatibility issues of the Xbox Series X with high-capacity Blu-Rays will require Larian to include an extra disc for Baldur’s Gate 3. The physical editions, which are being manufactured by themselves, will need 4 discs to install all the content of Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Microsoft console.
Initially, as stipulated months ago in the details of the physical editions announced by Larian Studios, the Xbox Series X version would have 3 installation discs. However, Baldur’s Gate 3 will require more space than those three pieces can offer, so the only solution is for the game to be included on 4 discs to maintain the purity of the physical format.
Only 500MB were missing to meet the plan
This information can be considered 100% official, as it was shared through social media by Michael Douse, the publishing director at Larian. In order to be transparent, for the knowledge of users who have pre-ordered or would like to pre-order Baldur’s Gate 3 in physical format for Xbox Series X, Douse emphasized that the obligation to add a fourth disc is due to 500MB missing to complete the necessary space for the game.
Larian could have chosen to leave those 500MB in an additional digital download, but, taking a purist stance, where the game can be played without the need to connect to the Internet for mandatory downloads, Michael Douse made the decision for the game to be enjoyed in its entirety through the discs.
Why PS5 only needs two discs
In the case of the physical version of Baldur’s Gate 3 for PlayStation 5, there won’t be the same problem, since Sony’s console is fully compatible with 100GB Blu Ray discs, and that allows games with large storage to be installed without any issue on two discs. In all other aspects, both the PS5 version and the Xbox and PC versions are identical in what the Deluxe version of the game offers.
On the other hand, the Xbox Series X, although in other technical details it demonstrates greater raw power, has a reader designed for the playback of standard capacity Blu-Ray discs. Therefore, the only way to introduce the complete game, which slightly exceeds the necessary 150GB on 3 discs, has been to add a fourth unit. Anyway, whether with more or fewer discs, the most relevant game of the past 2023 is available on both PC and Xbox and PS5, and continues making improvements based on community feedback.
