Pearl Abyss has announced that Crimson Desert, its upcoming open-world fantasy game, is set to launch in late 2025. Known for their MMORPG Black Desert Online, Crimson Desert marks the South Korean studio's first single-player title. The game follows protagonist Kliff and his Greymanes companions as they explore the continent of Pywel, with the latest teaser showcasing in-engine footage and confirming the release window.
Originally pursued for exclusivity by Sony, Pearl Abyss chose to independently publish Crimson Desert for a simultaneous global release on PC and consoles. The studio cited its ability to publish worldwide and avoid hefty platform fees, making a multi-platform release more advantageous. The decision has proven beneficial, as the game now ranks among SteamDB's top 200 most wishlisted titles, generating excitement for its immersive combat and open-world experience, often compared to Dragon's Dogma 2 and God of War.
The announcement took place during The Game Awards 2024, which attracted a record-breaking four million concurrent viewers. The event showcased major titles like Elden Ring: Nightreign and The Witcher 4 while featuring appearances from industry icons like Todd Howard, Hideo Kojima, and Sam Lake, alongside celebrities such as Harrison Ford and Snoop Dogg. The annual ceremony highlighted Crimson Desert as one of the standout reveals of the year.