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Baldur's Gate 3 PS5 Deluxe Editions Delayed Due to Production Issues

Baldur’s Gate 3 fans in North America will need to exercise a bit more patience as production issues have delayed the physical Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 5. Developer Larian Studios has announced that the anticipated copies will now arrive in July.

Production Snags Delay North American Release

Larian Studios posted a detailed explanation on its social media channels, highlighting the delays caused by the approval processes for PlayStation 5 discs. These processes, which are handled by external production companies, have taken longer than expected for North America.

"Due to production changes outside of our control, we have had to follow certain processes specifically set by production companies when manufacturing the PS5 discs, and unfortunately, the approval for particular regions has taken much longer than expected," Larian explained in a statement on Twitter.

Timeline for the Delayed Copies

The studio estimates that the PS5 North American copies will be ready in about 14 days from May 24, followed by another 10 days for the delivery process. To expedite this, Larian is in discussions with the manufacturer to potentially hire temporary staff to reduce assembly times.

Apologies and Commitment to Quality

Larian expressed regret over the delay, emphasizing their commitment to preserving the nostalgic experience of unboxing a physical game. They acknowledged the disappointment for fans who have been eagerly awaiting the physical Deluxe Edition.

"By committing to creating physical editions, we were hoping to preserve the almost nostalgic feeling of unboxing your newest game, and this is a commitment we’re hoping to bring into the future with us, this time ensuring we continue to work closely with our partners to manage the planning and production process."

Other Regions Unaffected

The delay specifically impacts North American PS5 owners. Meanwhile, Xbox copies and PS5 copies for EU and Oceania have already shipped and should arrive shortly. This is the second physical edition for Baldur’s Gate 3, following the Collector’s Edition which launched alongside the game last August and has since sold out.

Fans React with Patience

While the delay is certainly disappointing, many fans have expressed understanding. Given the game's acclaim and the anticipation built around the Deluxe Edition, the community remains hopeful that the wait will be worth it. Baldur’s Gate 3 has received widespread praise, including a 10/10 from IGN, and continues to be celebrated as a high-water mark for CRPGs.

Looking Forward

For those eagerly awaiting the Deluxe Edition, the delay is another test of patience. However, with assurances from Larian Studios that production issues are being addressed and a clear timeline provided, fans can expect their copies soon.

"Knowing that there are some of you still waiting to play Baldur’s Gate 3, despite the fact we are unable to substitute physical goods with digital versions, we can only deeply apologize that your preorders have again been delayed," Larian said.

In the meantime, the digital versions of Baldur’s Gate 3 remain available across all platforms, offering a way for new players to experience the game while awaiting their physical copies.

Stay tuned for more updates from Larian Studios as they work to resolve these production issues and deliver the highly anticipated Deluxe Editions to their North American fans.