Leaked emails from Microsoft have revealed that the company had the opportunity to bring Baldur’s Gate 3 to Xbox but chose to dismiss the game, referring to it as a “second-run Stadia PC RPG.” The emails, dated May last year, show that Microsoft ranked BG3 at the bottom of its list of upcoming game releases for Q2 2023.
The leak comes amidst Microsoft’s legal proceedings with the FTC and sheds light on the company’s approach to game acquisitions. It appears that CEO Phil Spencer was pushing his team to fill gaps in the Game Pass offerings, but the company underestimated the potential of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Interestingly, the emails also reveal that Microsoft expected Larian Studios, the developers of BG3, to ask for around $5 million for the game’s inclusion in Game Pass. In comparison, other games like Suicide Squad, Mortal Kombat, and Jedi Survivor were listed with expected partner asks of over $250 million.
This revelation raises questions about Microsoft’s decision-making process and its understanding of the gaming market. Players who were hoping to enjoy Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox may be disappointed to learn that it was not Larian’s choice to exclude the game from the console.
Source: DOTESPORTS
