If you want to stay in the loop on all our news and updates, we’re now shouting into the void from even more corners of the internet. You might have noticed our slumbering BlueSky account is dusted off and now active. Then our Community Team took the next most natural step and joined Tumblr – because if the gang are going to star in a thousand slow-burn romance fics, we might as well be there to see it.
In other news, some of you on PS5 might have accidentally stumbled into Patch 8 a little early – whoops! If you’re one of the few wondering what the heck is going on, don’t worry. You can roll back to Patch 7 by deleting and reinstalling the game. Full details here, click away. Think of it as a time-travel mechanic.
And with that, the Patch 8 stress test is in fact now live for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC!
If you’ve registered to take part on either PlayStation or PC, look out for an email from us with your game code and details on how to access the stress test.
If you’ve registered through the Xbox Insider Programme, the Baldur’s Gate 3 Stress Test application is now live in the Xbox Insider Hub, for you to download! For more details on this, please click here.
To learn more about how to set up a cross-play lobby and discover the bug fixes arriving in Patch 8, please read on!
Cross-Play
During the Patch 8 stress test, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC players will be able to test out cross-play by either creating or joining a lobby.
If you want to try out cross-play with your friends on other platforms and have now been given access to the stress test but your friends haven’t, you can request extra Patch 8 stress test keys for PlayStation and Steam (PC) by heading to: https://larian.com/account/connected and linking your game account with your Larian account.
Check out the handy video below for a step-by-step on getting set up with cross-play!
After enabling cross-play from the multiplayer online settings, you’ll be able to either create or join your own cross-play multiplayer lobby. Head to the Multiplayer menu, select Cross-Play and create your lobby!
For the Patch 8 stress test, we recommend that console players host a cross-play lobby if wanting to play with a PC player. You can add friends using the Larian Network by clicking on the + icon from the Create Lobby screen during cross-play set-up. Enter their Larian account username and send the request! Once they have accepted it, you will be able to view them online and invite them to your lobby.
Playing with mods during cross-play:
While we recommend that console players host a cross-play lobby, if you’re looking to join a modded PC lobby, the PC host must have less than 100 mods installed on that save and only include mods that are accepted on console and Mac, which are indicated by the “Available on Mac and Console” tag when browsing available mods. Otherwise, a mod mismatch will be detected, and you will not be able to join the host’s game.
Xbox Series S Split-Screen Co-Op
Wanting to play multiplayer a little closer to home? Patch 8 will also bring split-screen to Xbox Series S consoles! If you’re joining the stress test from an Xbox, you’ll be able to try this out early.
Register For The Patch 8 Stress Test
The stress test is now live, and if you’ve already registered on either PlayStation or PC, access details will be sent to your email inbox. If you’re playing on Xbox, you’ll need to download the Xbox Insider Hub App to become an Xbox Insider and join the playtest from the app.
If you haven’t signed up yet, you can still register your interest by clicking on the banner below!
Please note: Access will be granted in waves throughout the testing period. Registering your interest does not guarantee you will be given access.
Patch 8 Highlights
While some of you will get to try out Patch 8 for yourself, starting today, here’s just some of what you can expect with Patch 8 once it is ready for release!
SPOILERS – Please bear in mind some of the entries below might contain spoilers, proceed at your own risk
Highlights
Photo mode
12 new subclasses
Cross-play
Xbox Series S split screen
Gameplay
When you succeed a Perception check, the spotted item will now ping on the minimap and be listed in the combat log.
Fixed an issue where the special abilities of some of your allies weren’t properly provided at the end of the dialogue with them at High Hall.
Scrolls and potions inside unlocked containers in your party inventory can now be used when rolling in dialogues.
Neutral and friendly NPCs will no longer become hostile when, outside of combat, they walk into surfaces created during combat that trigger passives (like electrified surfaces triggering Thunderbolt Strike). Take it easy, lads.
Fixed Freecast being reset when any condition is applied.
Fixed characters getting stuck when pathfinding via a ladder that’s already in use by another companion.
Fixed a bug with the moving platform in the Gauntlet of Shar that would sometimes leave you behind, causing you to plummet to your death.
Combat
Fixed an issue causing neutral NPCs to trigger combat for seemingly no reason.
Cerys will stop getting involved in combats with Minthara from across the region. An eager beaver no longer.
Modding
Fixed an issue causing you to get stuck at a 0% loading screen when attempting to join a multiplayer session that uses mods.
The Mod Verification window will now trigger regardless of where the request to connect to a multiplayer game is coming from.
Replaced the third-party mod warning with clearer messaging.
Performance and Options
Fixed the ruleset selector not appearing on the ‘Alter Custom Mode’ screen when accessing the ruleset settings via the multiplayer lobby.
Improved server performance in the Adamantine Forge.
Scripting and Flow
Fixed an issue where you could tell Astarion that Gandrel has been looking for him even if Gandrel refused to tell you the name of his prey.
Fixed a savegame issue where you wouldn’t get the appropriate amount of Umbral Gems for the Gauntlet of Shar.
Minthara now comments on the Emperor’s reveal.
Reminded Minthara that ‘knocked out’ does not mean ‘dead’, so she’ll more reliably appear in Moonrise Towers.
You can no longer teleport out of Moonrise while controlling Minthara unless you tell her to stay put.
Minthara is now willing to talk to you after you tell her to wait in the torture chamber.
Minthara no longer gets stuck babysitting Thaniel in Act II.
Fixed an issue where you could talk about Art Cullagh as though he’s alive even if he isn’t.
Your character will no longer think Shadowheart is dead if she isn’t when talking to Viconia.
Characters who were in a relationship with Gale when he sacrifices himself in the endgame to defeat the Netherbrain will now receive a tonally appropriate (read: lovey-dovey) letter.
Fixed a dialogue issue preventing Avatar Gale from talking about the orb to Lae’zel after consuming a magic item.
UI
Discovered and available (non-hostile, alive, etc.) traders are now shown on the world map regardless of how far away you are from them.
Cinematics
Shadowheart has agreed to stop repeatedly changing her hair colour during certain intimate moments.
Tidied up and improved some cinematic animations for characters of different heights if you kiss during the evil ending.
Writing
Fixed a duplicated dialogue option and the wrong version of another dialogue option appearing in Minthara’s main party dialogue.
Patch 8 will bring a multitude of fixes for various crashes and blockers, combat bugs, scripting and flow issues, and more. The full patch notes will be shared once Patch 8 goes live!
Reporting Bugs During The Stress Test
Internal playtesting has been ongoing for several weeks now, and thanks to the introduction of photo mode in Patch 8, our playtesters have discovered new means to highlight some interesting issues.
While we don’t expect you to showcase every unexpected bug you run into (please, don’t do that), we would be grateful if you could report any issues you experience in the Patch 8 stress test using the existing bug reporting form. Please make sure to state “Patch 8” in the Game Version field!
Known Issues
Known Issues
As the Patch 8 stress test is a work-in-progress build, we’re aware of some issues, and have listed the ones relevant to the new features coming in Patch 8 below!
Modding
While it’s our hope that supported mods remain mostly unscathed with Patch 8, this stress test also helps us understand how your mods interact with the latest patch and identify any issues ahead of release.
ImpUI users may find that radial descriptions aren’t visible, and some menu options don’t work as intended. If you are joining us for the stress test, we recommend creating a new save or loading an existing save that does not use ImpUI or any mods that use ImpUI as a dependency.
Photo Mode
Photo Mode becomes visually corrupted when using Vulkan.
Cross-Play & Multiplayer
Some lines in the cross-play settings aren’t fully localised.
Players in a multiplayer lobby can lose movement input after picking up an item.
UX
Some keyboard hotkeys and controller buttons may stop working after trading with merchants.
Keep an eye out for updates during the Patch 8 stress test as we continue working on fixing these issues!
Sharing Your Experience
We want to know how you get on with Patch 8, so we have created a short form for you to share your experience with us. If you’ve been accepted into the stress test, look out for the link in your access email!
And with that, we’ll catch you next time.
“Baldur’s Gate 3: Everything You Need to Know About the Highly Anticipated RPG Sequel”
Are you ready to embark on a new adventure in the legendary world of Baldur’s Gate? The highly anticipated sequel, Baldur’s Gate 3, is finally here and fans of the series are buzzing with excitement. From the developers at Larian Studios, known for their critically acclaimed Divinity: Original Sin series, Baldur’s Gate 3 promises to deliver a thrilling RPG experience that stays true to the beloved Dungeons & Dragons universe.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, players will once again journey through the iconic city of Baldur’s Gate and beyond, facing off against dangerous foes, making difficult choices, and unraveling a complex narrative filled with twists and turns. With stunning graphics, deep character customization, and engaging gameplay mechanics, this long-awaited sequel is sure to captivate both new and longtime fans of the series.
Stay tuned for more updates on Baldur’s Gate 3 as we dive deeper into the world of Dungeons & Dragons and uncover the secrets that lie within this epic RPG adventure. Get ready to embark on a journey like never before in Baldur’s Gate 3!
Baldur’s Gate 3’s long-awaited Patch 8 is currently available to players on PS5…but it’s not supposed to be.
In a social media post today, the official Larian Studios account revealed that PS5 players do indeed have access to Patch 8 through what seems to be an accident somewhere, as the patch itself isn’t ready for prime time.
“No, the Patch 8 stress test hasn’t yet begun,” the post reads. “Yes, PS5 players do currently have access to Patch 8. While we work with our partners to understand what’s going on, please note that any new saves made while on Patch 8 will not be compatible with Patch 7.
“How’s your Monday going?”
Patch 8 was first announced back in December and is the final major update expected for Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s planned to add cross-platform progression and play, photo mode, and 12 new subclasses, as well as new abilities, animations, VFX, summons, cantrips, and even voicelines. It’s a massive update that promises to really shake things up a year and a half after launch, and while it’s seemingly due out this month, today’s PS5 release seems to have jumped the gun a bit.
Late last month, Larian opened registrations for a stress test of Patch 8, which it opened to players on PC via Steam and on console via Xbox and PlayStation. However, that stress test hasn’t actually happened yet, and as Larian wrote, this release on PS5 is not the stress test.
For now, it’s probably recommended for PS5 players not to download this patch just yet in case it comes with unintended bugs or other issues, and as Larian says, saves won’t be compatible with Patch 7 if you need to roll back for any reason. Proceed with caution here.
But the good news is that even if this was an error, it sounds like Larian is inching much closer to releasing Patch 8 in earnest. We’ll be keeping an eye out for news of the actual stress test and the release itself, which seems likely to make what we called a 10/10 game at launch even better.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
Attention all Baldur’s Gate 3 players on PS5! Patch 8 was accidentally released early to PS5 players, bringing a slew of new updates and fixes to the game. This unexpected release has caught many by surprise, but fear not, as the developers are working quickly to address any issues that may arise.
Some of the key highlights of Patch 8 include:
– Improved performance and stability on the PS5 platform
– Additional bug fixes and optimizations for a smoother gameplay experience
– New character customization options and equipment upgrades
– Enhanced graphics and visual effects for a more immersive gaming experience
While the early release of Patch 8 may have been unexpected, players can take advantage of the new updates and features ahead of schedule. Stay tuned for further updates from the developers on any additional changes or fixes that may be implemented in the near future.
Happy adventuring in Baldur’s Gate 3!
Tags:
Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8, PS5, early release, accidental release, Baldur’s Gate 3 update, PS5 players, RPG game, video game news
After an unplanned early release on PlayStation 5 yesterday, the final major update for Baldur’s Gate 3 is now available for stress testing on all platforms.
To get in on Patch 8 early, players must sign up on the website (Xbox users need an app) and hope you’re lucky enough to be chosen in one of several waves of invites Larian Studios will be sending throughout the testing period. Or you might have it already installed on your PS5 through an unintentional update that could brick your saves. Larian recommends reverting back to Patch 7 by uninstalling and reinstalling your game.
Patch 8 is a big one, bringing cross-play multiplayer between all platforms, a detailed photo mode, 12 new subclasses, and split-screen co-op for Xbox Series S players.
Cross-play looks relatively simple to setup in Larian’s video tutorial. After enabling it in the options, players can create a lobby and invite others via their Larian Network account names. Joining games is easy too, and the game will prompt you with what mods to download should the host of that lobby require them. However, Larian warns PC players hoping to play with console friends that they will need to limit themselves to 100 mods that work on all platforms.
The new subclasses give you an excuse to start up another playthrough too. Here’s a list of every new subclass and their corresponding starter class:
Larian hasn’t put a date on when to expect the final version of Patch 8 to go live other than sometime this year. Once that happens, the studio will be moving on from the series to focus on something outside Dungeons & Dragons.
Exciting news for Baldur’s Gate 3 fans! The final update for the highly anticipated game is here, and it includes cross-play stress testing. Players will now have the opportunity to test out the cross-play functionality with friends on different platforms.
This update marks a significant milestone in the development of Baldur’s Gate 3, as players will now be able to experience the game with their friends regardless of what platform they are playing on. Whether you’re on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, you can now team up and embark on epic adventures together.
The cross-play stress testing will help developers identify any potential issues and ensure a smooth experience for players when the game officially launches. This is a great opportunity for fans to get a taste of what’s to come and provide valuable feedback to the development team.
So gather your party and get ready to dive into the world of Baldur’s Gate 3 with your friends. The final update is here, and the cross-play stress testing is underway. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of the game’s development process!
Tags:
Baldur’s Gate 3, cross-play, stress testing, final update, multiplayer, RPG, Larian Studios, video game, cooperative play, online gaming, role-playing game, PC gaming
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Baldur’s Gate 2 II Shadows of Amn Collector’s Edition PC Game 2000 Baldurs
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When I was a kid, video games cost $40. Now they’re $70, and analysts are discussing a potential $100 price tag for Grand Theft Auto 6. One Baldur’s Gate 3 dev says companies hoping for this are “saying the quiet part out loud.”
GTA 6 is one of the most-anticipated games in history. We’re all going to buy it, that much is certain, the only question that remains is how much we’ll pay for it. The $70 standard for triple-A games came into effect a few years ago, but in 2024, some of the best-selling games were around $40. Helldivers 2 and Palworld both did phenomenally well at those lower prices, but now analysts are wondering if GTA 6 will actually push video games to be even more expensive.
In a report spotted by VGC, it states there is “hope” within the industry that if Take-Two charges $100 for GTA 6, other companies could do the same. VGC notes that Take-Two was one of the first publishers to adopt the $70 price tag for games, so it’s not outside the realm of possibility.
Michael Douse, a developer at Larian, writes in response to the news, “You’re not supposed to say this out loud!!!!” Obviously, companies would love to charge us more for games – more money means more profit for them. But, there is a limit to what people are willing, and able, to pay. Millions may pay $100 for GTA 6, but it’s unlikely any other game could dare to charge that same price.
Douse continues: “A good company raises salaries in line with inflation so that their staff don’t die or something, but games prices haven’t risen with inflation. This isn’t the reason the industry is in the shit for now, but it is an uncomfortable truth. On the other hand, the responsibility for a game developer is to make sure that the game they show lives up to that promise, and that investment from the player.”
You’re not supposed to say this out loud!!!! https://t.co/4EABCQJaDBJanuary 19, 2025
I doubt charging more for games would reduce the number of layoffs we’ve seen in the industry these last few years. Companies don’t just want growth, they want exponential growth. A 5% profit this year has to be an 8% profit next year.
Hopefully Take-Two doesn’t gouge us for GTA 6 and set a new precedent. GTA Online already makes billions of dollars through its shark cards, so, assuming there’s another iteration of it for this sequel, and I can’t see why the company would abandon that cash cow, it’ll be content with the additional money it gets through that. It will also likely sell premium versions of the game that are above standard retail price that come with extras like more in-game money or an early access period ahead of the official launch, as has become more common recently.
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
Out of the ten most-played games on Steam right now, only four actually came out last year, so people are still buys clearing backlogs or playing older live-service games. Many of us wait for sales or just play cheaper, older, or already bought games instead of shelling out for new ones.
Hopefully, games don’t get more expensive in 2025. Check out all the upcoming video game release dates to see if there are any you’d be willing to pay $100 for.
The gaming industry is no stranger to controversy when it comes to pricing, and the debate over the standard cost of video games has been ongoing for years. Recently, some analysts have been speculating that the highly anticipated release of GTA 6 could potentially set a new standard for game pricing, with some suggesting that $100 games could become the new norm.
However, one developer from Baldur’s Gate 3, the highly acclaimed RPG game, has pointed out that game prices have not kept up with inflation over the years. In a recent interview, the developer highlighted the fact that the cost of developing and producing games has increased significantly, while game prices have remained relatively stagnant.
With the rising costs of game development and production, many developers are finding it increasingly challenging to turn a profit on their games. This has led to the rise of microtransactions, season passes, and other monetization strategies to offset the costs of game development.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the debate over game pricing unfolds. Will $100 games become the new norm, or will developers find alternative ways to monetize their games? Only time will tell.
Larian head of publishing Michael Douse warned that game companies are saying the quiet part out loud after industry analyst Michael Ball wrote that some of them are hoping Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch with a price of at least $80, and possibly as high as $100.
The remark came in Ball’s “State of Videogaming in 2025” report, which lists Grand Theft Auto 6 as one of several “potential new ‘growth engines’,” alongside things like user-generated content, the release of the Switch 2, and the growth of “non-core” markets.
“In 2025, GTA 6’s impact on industry playtime and spend will be mixed as it launches console-only and (severely) cannibalizes hours/spend on other titles,” Ball wrote. “But some gamemakers hope GTA 6 will be priced at $80—$100, breaking the $70 barrier and helping $50 titles to move up to $60, $60 to $70, $70 to $80, etc.”
Ball said games “have never been lower in real terms than they are today,” which he described as “a tough problem to start and worsened by stalled player growth and rising costs” of development.
“No other major leisure forms have seen their products become worth less nearly every single year for decades—and this hurts developers of every size and budget,” he wrote. “In real terms, a $70 GTA 6 would be the cheapest-ever GTA—30% less than its original 2D entries, and 16-24% less than GTA 4 and GTA 5.”
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(Image credit: Epyllion)
(Image credit: Epyllion)
“You’re not supposed to say this out loud!!!!” Douse wrote on X (via GamesRadar) in response to a VGC story about Ball’s report.
“A good company raises salaries in line with inflation so that their staff don’t die or something, but games prices haven’t risen with inflation,” he continued. “This isn’t the reason the industry is in the shit for now, but it is an uncomfortable truth. On the other hand, the responsibility for a game developer is to make sure that the game they show lives up to that promise, and that investment from the player.”
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
(Image credit: Michael Douse (Twitter))
It is, as Ball said, a tough nut to crack. Development costs of big-budget games have skyrocketed, while purchase prices have remained relatively stable—and on the PC side of things in particular, Steam sales and Epic freebies have conditioned us to expect our games to be cheap. That makes nudging across-the-board prices higher a tricky proposition, as publishers run the risk of putting off buyers who are content to wait for a sale rather than pouncing on a new game on launch day.
Which isn’t to say it’s an insurmountable problem—Activisionturned the dial a little bit in 2022 with Modern Warfare 2, and if there’s any upcoming game that’s going to be able to get away with another meaningful price hike, it’s Grand Theft Auto 6—but it will undoubtedly be a topic of much controversy and grousing when it happens.
Also a question is whether an $80 (or $100) GTA 6 would actually have that sort of across-the-board impact on industry-wide pricing, a point Douse touched on in reply to users who pointed out that people might be willing to shell out that kind of cash for a new Grand Theft Auto, but not much else.
“We are at a strange moment where retail is not defining output and content, but now nobody is,” Douse wrote. “There’s no standard. It’s difficult to parse. It’s ’the wild west’. The point is that perhaps Rockstar have enough clout to lay down the new law. And with that others will sink or swim?”
(Image credit: Michael Douse (Twitter))
There’s already a lot of sinking going on in the videogame industry, as witnessed in the layoffs and closures that have plagued studios over the past two years and counting, and increasing the price point of new games at launch isn’t going to address that on its own. But whether it’s GTA 6, The Elder Scrolls 6, or whatever it is that Larian is cooking up next, it is going to happen eventually—and as much as it sucks to pay more, as someone who remembers forking over $60 for System Shock 2 in 1999 (Canadian, yes, but the point holds), I don’t think it’ll be entirely unjustified.
Grand Theft Auto 6, for the record, still hasn’t been announced for PC—as Ball wrote, I fully expect it will be a console-only release when it comes out, and we’ll get ours later.
In a recent interview with a gaming analyst, it was revealed that some game developers are hoping that Grand Theft Auto 6 will cost up to $100 at launch. This shocking revelation has sparked controversy within the gaming community, with many fans expressing their outrage at the idea of such a high price tag for a single game.
One developer who was quick to respond to this news was the team behind Baldur’s Gate 3. In a statement released on social media, they expressed their disbelief at the analyst’s comments, stating, “You’re not supposed to say this out loud! The idea of charging players $100 for a game is ridiculous and goes against everything we believe in as game developers. We strive to create immersive and engaging experiences for our players, not price them out of enjoying our games.”
The backlash against the idea of a $100 price tag for Grand Theft Auto 6 has been swift and fierce, with many calling on game developers to prioritize player enjoyment over profits. It remains to be seen whether Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, will heed this outcry and reconsider their pricing strategy for their highly anticipated upcoming title.
In the meantime, Baldur’s Gate 3 fans can rest assured that the developers behind their favorite game have their best interests at heart and will continue to provide quality gaming experiences at an affordable price.
Tags:
Baldur’s Gate 3, Grand Theft Auto 6, game developers, analyst, pricing strategy, video game industry, launch prices, gaming news, Baldur’s Gate 3 developer response
This week in West Village Whining: The owner of Carrie Bradshaw’s “Sex and the City” apartment on posh Perry Street got permission to build a steel-and-cast-iron gate in front of her building, so unfathomably rowdy the tourists have become.
Call it “Sex” and the NIMBY.
In an application to the Landmark Preservation Committee, outraged landlord Barbara Lorber — for whom Manolo Blahnik is a four-letter word — argued that “at any given hour of the day or night, there are groups of visitors in front of the house taking flash photos, engaging in loud chatter, posting on social media, or just celebrating the moment.”
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw appeared on 66 Perry Street’s iconic stairs many times. Getty Images
Imagine. People excitedly talking on the street. In Manhattan. That’s practically a war crime.
Worst of all — are you sitting down? — happy HBOers often sit on the iconic stairs of 66 Perry Street to snap pics pretending to be Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie, defying the owner’s attempt to create a fenced-in subdivision with her existing “no trespassing” chain.
Sometimes, if fans are a bit buzzed, they’ll even ring the doorbell.
Lock ‘em up!
The building has become a major draw for tourists to NYC. William Farrington
The city approved Lorber’s wildly overdramatic request for a barrier because the five borough’s biggest threat today is free-spending, grown women in tutus.
Sorry, but I’m feeling about as sympathetic as a Soho House desk host.
Stop by Chez Johnny sometime, Barb, for four flights of stairs and a WayFair couch that I could swear was blue once.
Every evening without fail, some schlub is dining on my East Village steps like he’s at an al fresco Denny’s.
Later on, blotto NYU kids incomprehensibly scream until they’re red in the face at 4 a.m. when the last pubs are padlocked.
FedEx buzzes me from dawn til dusk to accept absent tenants’ packages.
The apartment, like it or not, is part of NYC history. Getty Images
When I lived in Washington Heights, junkies regularly made a Holiday Inn of my lobby after breaking the lock.
Where’s my gate?
Look, I’m sure it’s extremely irritating to be the real-estate manifestation of why so many young women dream of moving to New York to become columnists, execs and fashionistas. A hardship, truly.
Now, instead of having a luxe walkup in one of the city’s ritziest nabes, you’re Katz’s Deli, Tom’s Restaurant, the Lincoln Center fountain and the firehouse from “Ghostbusters.” Presumably you were paid for this horrific torment.
“Not enough!,” I can hear you shouting from across 5th Ave. You’re probably right.
But isn’t it a tiny bit cool to live in an enduring piece of New York City history? Beyond the catchphrases and dresses, that show — and, by extension, your abode — were an essential billboard for NYC after 9/11. “It “Sex and the City” said NYC is still glamorous, fun and defiant.
“Sex and the City” has played a vital role in NYC history. AP
Just accept that we live in one of the most filmed places in the world. Your home is a huge reason people visit here from all across the globe. You should be bragging about getting more sightseers than the “Moonstruck” brownstone in Murray Hill.
How lucky are we to live in such a desirable, famous metropolis with an icon around every corner? Isn’t it flattering that people fly here not to see grand the home of the King, the president or the pope, but the reasonably normal apartment of their favorite fictional New Yorker?
Was it not incredibly moving to watch devastated “Friends” fans mourn the death of Matthew Perry outside that sit-com’s instantly recognizable exterior — in your very own neighborhood?
It was for me.
Actually, hold on. Scratch that.
If your new gate gets “And Just Like That…” canceled, I’m behind you all the way.
Make the West Village Gate Again!
As a Sex and the City fan, I couldn’t be more excited to see that the iconic brownstone featured in the hit TV show is getting a new gate installed. This homeowner should feel honored to be a part of NYC history and have their property associated with such a beloved and iconic series.
The show, which aired from 1998 to 2004, captured the essence of New York City and showcased the lives of four fabulous women navigating love, friendship, and career in the Big Apple. The brownstone served as the home of Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, and was a central location for many memorable scenes throughout the series.
By installing a new gate, this homeowner is not only enhancing the security and aesthetic of their property but also paying homage to the cultural significance of Sex and the City. Fans of the show will undoubtedly appreciate this nod to the iconic series and the lasting impact it has had on pop culture.
So, to the Sex and the City homeowner getting a new gate installed, embrace this opportunity to be a part of NYC history and know that fans everywhere are grateful for your contribution to the legacy of this beloved TV show.
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Sex and the City, NYC history, homeowner, gate installation, grateful, iconic TV show, New York City, urban living, city life, Carrie Bradshaw, Manhattan living, fashion capital, pop culture phenomenon.
And just like that, Sex and the City enthusiasts may no longer be able to stand on the steps of character Carrie Bradshaw’s famous Manhattan home after its owner asked city officials to let her block them with an iron gate.
The move follows years of fans of the show and spinoff movies crowding around – and at times trespassing on – the stoop of the iconic brownstone in the city’s trendy West Village neighborhood, which served as the exterior of Bradshaw’s apartment, the lead in the hit HBO series played by Sarah Jessica Parker.
In a 14 January application to New York City’s landmarks preservation commission, which was first reported by the Substack newsletter Feed Me, the owner of 66 Perry Street explained her request to restrict access to the approach to her building, asking to be able to install an iron gate at the bottom of the steps.
The owner, identified by the New York Times as Barbara Lorber, said: “The front of my home appeared in the Sex and the City TV series as the exterior of character Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment. My fault: I felt sorry for the young location scout who was a recent grad from NYU Film School. He told me if he didn’t secure this house, he would lose his first real job in the business.”
She continued, to the outlet: “At the time, no one knew the show would turn into anything long lasting … much less the iconic fantasy vehicle and touchstone for NYC’s magic that it has become.” She added: “My home is now a global tourist destination … At any hour of the day or night, there are groups of visitors in front of the house taking flash photos, engaging in loud chatter, posting on social media, making TikTok videos or just celebrating the moment.”
Despite installing a “No Trespassing – Private Property” sign on a chain a few years ago, Lorber said that many visitors do not respect the chain and instead climb over it, pose, dance or lie down on the steps. She added that some visitors climb to the top to stare into the windows, try to open the main entrance door or ring the doorbells at night when drunk.
Lorber said that visitors had also spray-painted graffiti on the steps and carved their initials into the main door frame.
“After 20-plus years of hoping the fascination with my stoop would die away and fans would find a new object for their devotion, I have acknowledged we need something more substantial. In order to regain a reasonable quality of life for our tenants and ourselves, we need to install a proper gate,” she said.
The authorities have granted her permission to install a gate, although there is more discussion in the offing on the design.
Since airing on HBO in 1998, Sex and the City – which features the lives of four professional female friends living in New York City – gained worldwide popularity.
Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic stoop from Sex and the City has become a popular spot for fans to gather and take photos. However, due to safety concerns and the ongoing pandemic, the building’s management has decided to install a gate to prevent crowds from congregating.
The decision to add a gate to the stoop, located at 66 Perry Street in New York City’s West Village, has sparked mixed reactions from fans. Some are disappointed that they will no longer be able to recreate Carrie’s famous poses on the stoop, while others understand the need for safety measures.
Despite the gate, fans can still admire the exterior of the building and take photos from a distance. The building’s management has also stated that they are exploring ways to create a designated photo spot for fans to safely take pictures without causing congestion on the sidewalk.
While the gate may be a disappointment for some Sex and the City fans, it ultimately serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting private property and ensuring the safety of both fans and residents. Carrie Bradshaw may have had many unforgettable moments on her stoop, but it’s important to remember that it is still someone’s home.
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Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City, stoop, gate, fans, gathering, New York City, iconic location, TV show, pop culture, Sarah Jessica Parker, Manhattan, West Village, filming location
