Highlights
- Baldur's Gate 3's pre-order bonus is a top-notch incentive that goes beyond the usual cosmetic items or supplementary content.
- Larian Studios' decision to offer the deluxe edition for free to early-access players and pre-order customers shows that it cares about and values its fans. It sets a new standard for pre-order bonuses and adds weight to the concept.
- Other game studios should take note and improve the quality of their pre-order bonuses. Even if not every game can offer a deluxe edition for free, a higher quality incentive would help attract more players and make them care about pre-ordering again.
After months of anticipation, Baldur's Gate 3 has finally arrived, and it has quickly become one of the best RPGs around. Almost everything in it feels satisfying to play, and it may be the perfect treat for Dungeons and Dragons fans. It is made even better by the fact that Larian Studios seems to be listening and celebrating its fans, and Baldur's Gate 3's pre-order bonus makes that abundantly clear.
Pre-order bonuses used to be a big thing, but now they are mostly a way to obtain some supplementary content. Therefore, the unique cosmetic or item that is usually assigned to them can feel lackluster as an incentive. This has been the trend for a couple of years now, but Larian Studios aimed to change that. Not only did Baldur's Gate 3 have a mostly smooth launch, but the fact Larian threw in the deluxe edition for those who secured an early access version makes it even stronger.
Baldur's Gate 3's Pre-Order Bonuses Are Top Notch
While Baldur's Gate 3 may have been playable for three years, it has finally entered its full release. Players were able to experience the game's development through its long early access period, and they were able to play a vital role in creating the game of their dreams. To thank those fans, Larian Studios chose to give anyone who owned the game during this period access to Baldur's Gate 3's digital deluxe edition at no extra charge. This was not only given to those that played during the early access but also to anyone who pre-ordered it on PC before the official launch.
The digital deluxe edition of Baldur's Gate 3 includes a plethora of exciting pieces of content that fans should enjoy. Players got 72 hours early access to the first act, various cosmetic items themed after some classes, the digital artbook, character sheets, and so much more. Instead of asking players to spend the usual $80, this entire package was given to anyone who pre-purchased the base game.
Larian Studios could have just given players a simple cosmetic as a thank you, but it chose to go the extra mile with its pre-order bonus. It did not have to, but Baldur's Gate 3 is better for it. It not only ensures that the studio cares, but it also gives pre-ordering an actual purpose with weight. It seems like the perfect way to drive up sales before a game is released, and more games may want to take some notes.
Video game studios often push players to pre-order games, but they do not often give players much of a reason to do so. The pre-order bonuses are often ornamental or half-baked and many players have become weary of the entire concept. The push towards digital games also gives players even more of a reason not to pre-order games, but Larian Studios' approach could change all that.
While not every game needs to give players its deluxe edition for free, studios should at least increase the quality of their pre-order bonuses a bit. While diehard fans may always pre-order the next chapter in a franchise, other players need that little push to get them to commit. Giving them these quality bonuses will not only be that push but would also serve as a great thank you to fans and could even make them care about the concept again.
Baldur's Gate 3 is available for PC and will release for PlayStation 5 on September 6, 2023. A version for Xbox Series X/S is currently in development.