Baldur's Gate 3 may not technically be out yet, with Larian Studios opting to release it in Early Access last year, but its proven to be a massively popular title, even with it in an unfinished state and being sold for $60. In fact, only two days after it launched, Larian's CEO stated that sales were "insane." And while it contains just the first act of the final game, that's still an impressive amount of content on offer for an Early Access title. If anything, its quality is only making fans more eager for the final product. Unfortunately, the game's proper release appears to still be a ways off.
Speaking in an interview with GameSpot, Swen Vincke, the studio's CEO and director of Baldur's Gate 3, provided the first major update for the game since February (not counting smaller hotfixes like changes to the Loaded Dice feature), saying that it will not be leaving early access in 2021. Currently, the aim is to have the full game release next year in 2022.
Aside from finishing development, the team is also working to improve what's available in Early Access. Rather than add anything new like extra playable classes, Vincke says that the next update will focus on changing existing elements, explaining that it's more about features than content and is being done in response to fan feedback. For instance, some players feel like melee fighters don't have as many combat options, something Vincke explains is the result of the limitations of Baldur's Gate 3 being a video game, since a tabletop RPG offers players more creative freedom for what they can do.
Vincke was also asked if a Game Master mode, like what Divinity: Original Sin 2 had, is in the works for Baldur's Gate 3. Game Master mode essentially allowed players to craft their own Dungeons & Dragons-esque campaigns within the game. Vincke admits that something like this would be beneficial for Baldur's Gate 3, but it's not in development at the moment since it would be "such a beast" to make. Considering the game still hasn't been completed yet, it makes sense that a Game Master mode wouldn't be much of a priority.
A turn-based RPG, Baldur's Gate 3 is directly based off Dungeons & Dragons and allows players to create their own character and either embark on an adventure solo with AI-controlled companions or form a party with other players. The Early Access version is currently available on PC and Stadia, but Larian has yet to share any plans of a console release once the game is complete.
Baldur's Gate 3 is in development for PC and Stadia.
Source: GameSpot