The highly anticipated Baldur’s Gate 3 launched yesterday, 6th October, as an Early Access title on Steam, GOG and Google Stadia. In the time since then the reception to the unfinished game from early players has been rather encouraging.

Starting on Steam of course and, at the time of writing, Baldur’s Gate 3 already has 2 226 reviews. 80 percent of these are positive meaning that the game has a Very Positive review standing on the platform.

Looking at some of those reviews those that are positive about their experience do rightfully point out that things are very rough around the edges. This is to be expected as developer and publisher Larian Studios notes that the Early Access period will last, “at least one year”, but also add that it will be done when it’s ready and that it’s, “difficult to predict when 1.0 will launch”.

Looking at the negative reviews and a recurring theme seems to be an opinion that, even as an Early Access game, Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t at a point where the general public should be playing it. Recommendations for other RPGs, especially Larian Studios’ much beloved Divinity: Original Sin 2 also come up as a better way to spend your money.

The adventure starts today. Baldur’s Gate 3 Early Access is available now on Steam, GOG, and Stadia! pic.twitter.com/flJTtP6iFJ

— Larian Studios is Gathering Their Party (@larianstudios) October 6, 2020

On GOG the game currently has 3.9 out of five possible stars in the overall user ratings. This is increased to 4.4 out of five for the verified owners rating, and 3.5 out of five for the filters based rating.

On GOG more of the discussion of the top reviews seems to be the meta aspect of the game: the fact that it’s priced at the AAA standard of $60. The reviews also make mention of light review bombing happening on the platform as, unlike Steam, even those who don’t own the game can leave a review.

Those unhappy with the Early Access decision, or the price, seem to be leaving a few bad reviews without actually buying and playing the game.

Despite these problems we’re seeing reviews come in rather fast. This isn’t too surprising given the love for the Baldur’s Gate franchise. We’ll now have to wait and see if
Larian Studios can improve the game further and maybe tempt in more people to try its unfinished game.