Crimson Desert Rejects PS5 Exclusivity, Following Black Desert Online's Path

Crimson Desert: Pearl Abyss Rejects PS5 Exclusivity, Opts for Independence

In a bold move that underscores their commitment to creative freedom and broader market reach, Pearl Abyss, the developer behind the much-anticipated action-adventure game Crimson Desert, has reportedly declined an exclusivity deal with Sony. This decision means that the successor to the acclaimed Black Desert Online will not be locked to the PlayStation 5 platform, opening up possibilities for a multi-platform release.

Pearl Abyss Chooses Self-Publishing Over Exclusivity

Pearl Abyss is firm in its decision to self-publish Crimson Desert. In a recent statement to Eurogamer, the developer emphasized their commitment to independence: "In our last quarter earnings call, which is publicly available, we revealed that we would publish Crimson Desert independently. We of course honour and appreciate our business partners who we are constantly in touch with about our progress and plans, and we are discussing various forms of collaboration with them." This approach not only allows Pearl Abyss to retain full control over their project but also aims to maximize profitability as they noted in an investor meeting in September.

Upcoming Showcases and Release Speculations

While an official release date for Crimson Desert remains under wraps, Pearl Abyss is gearing up to showcase a playable build of the game to media in Paris this week and to the public at G-Star in November. The developer has been clear in stating, "Additionally, we have not announced any release date yet, so any articles about the topic are only speculation at this point." Despite the absence of confirmed details, industry insiders suggest that Crimson Desert might see a launch across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms around Q2 2025.

Sony's Attempt at Exclusivity

It was during an investor meeting in September that it came to light that Sony had made an attempt to secure Crimson Desert as a PS5 exclusive. This exclusivity would have meant a temporary absence of the game on Xbox platforms. However, Pearl Abyss decided against this, prioritizing their strategy of self-publishing, which they believe will be "highly profitable."

As the gaming community eagerly awaits more details on Crimson Desert, Pearl Abyss's decision to forgo exclusivity and embrace a multi-platform approach is a testament to their vision of bringing their innovative action-adventure to as many players as possible, while maintaining control over their creative and business strategies.