Baldur's Gate 3 publishing director says Larian is 'in discussion with Microsoft' over reported Xbox bans for recordings of the game's explicit content, calls the bans 'annoying and uncool'

(Image credit: Larian Studios)

Baldur's Gate 3 isn't just known for its thrilling storylines and memorable characters. Larian Studios' award-winning fantasy role-playing game (RPG) includes plenty of steamy romance scenes, too; recordings of which have reportedly gotten Xbox players in hot water, leading to bans for at least one user (via Dexerto).

Michael Douse, director of publishing at Larian Studios took to Twitter to address the issue.

"We’ve seen the reports that some players got banned or otherwise faced issues on Xbox having uploaded screenshots/videos of their 'gameplay content.' We’re in discussion with Microsoft, and we’re looking into it. Annoying and uncool."

While it's reassuring to hear that Larian is fighting its players' corner on this one, it's disheartening that Xbox's moderation policies led to this issue in the first place.

We’ve seen the reports that some players got banned or otherwise faced issues on Xbox having uploaded screenshots/videos of their ‘gameplay content’. We’re in discussion with Microsoft, and we’re looking into it. Annoying and uncool. pic.twitter.com/FNviQnX8OhJanuary 3, 2024

One Reddit user found their account suspended for a year after recording three clips from Baldur's Gate 3. As they put it in a comment: "If I was banned because of something I added to the game that violated their terms, that's on me. But I just captured the content as presented in the game they sold me, using the feature they provided, with the button literally located in the dead middle of the controller."

The user's ban was later overturned despite Microsoft allegedly denying the original appeal. However, given that this came as a result of Xbox's automated content flagging system, we don't yet know if Baldur's Gate 3 players are out of the woods yet. Given Douse's active Twitter presence, it seems likely that he'll update the community should the "discussion with Microsoft" prove productive.

Baldur's Gate 3's excellent character performances and rewarding in-game relationships are a big part of why the game topped our 2023 Game of the Year list. The game's romances, while entirely optional, are an important part of this appeal. Hopefully, Larian's discussions with Microsoft will lead to a more sensible approach going forward.

Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the best RPGs of recent years and one of the best story games out there.

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An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.

A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game.