Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition Barred from Sale, BG II: EE Delayed

We have some unfortunate news to provide for fans of classic RPGs today. In an official statement posted on the Baldur’s Gate web site, Trent Oster of Overhaul Games has explained that due to legal problems surrounding the Baldur’s Gate license and content with publisher Atari, Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition may no longer be purchased from the Apple App Store or the Beamdog game service. This also means that the release of Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition, as well as an in-development patch for Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition, have both been delayed indefinitely until these legal matters can be resolved. Fortunately, those who have bought the game previously may still download and install it normally.

If there’s a silver lining here, it’s that the game still appears to be available on Valve’s Software’s Steam service. However, considering the previous legal issues brought up between Overhaul and Atari, it is likely that Overhaul will not see significant or indeed any royalties from these sales. If you’re still on the fence about the game, it’s not clear if the Steam version will remain on sale or if it will be pulled shortly either, so you may want to get it while you can.

Below you can find the full statement by Trent Oster, and you can also visit the official Baldur’s Gate page for a list of Frequently Asked Questions. There are some interesting nuggets to be found, including hints at what the now-delayed Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition patch contains.

Dear Friends of Baldur’s Gate,

We recently removed Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition from sale on Beamdog and the Apple App Store. We’ve taken this step at our publishing partner’s request as we attempt to resolve a number of contractual issues.

Unfortunately, until this matter is resolved, we are unable to release the latest Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition patch or Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition for Android.

This also prevents the launch of Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition. I sincerely apologize to the series’ fans and promise we are working diligently to remedy the situation.

Regards, Trent Oster President, Beamdog & Overhaul Games