Pearl Abyss, the developer behind the anticipated action-adventure game Crimson Desert, has reportedly declined a Sony offer for PlayStation 5 exclusivity.
Pearl Abyss Prioritizes Independent Publishing for Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert Release Date and Platforms Still Unconfirmed
Pearl Abyss remains committed to self-publishing Crimson Desert. In a statement to Eurogamer, the developer reiterated its previously announced independent publishing plans, emphasizing its ongoing collaborations with various partners. The company clarified that while it appreciates its business relationships, its self-publishing decision reflects a strategic choice for maximizing profitability.
A public showcase of Crimson Desert is planned for November. Pearl Abyss stated, "We have not yet announced a release date, so any reports on this are purely speculative. We will be presenting a playable build to media this week in Paris and to the public at G-Star in November."
September investor meetings revealed Sony's attempt to secure PS5 exclusivity for Crimson Desert, potentially excluding Xbox platforms for a period. However, Pearl Abyss's assessment favored self-publishing due to its projected higher profitability.
While the final platform lineup and release date remain unconfirmed, a PC, PlayStation, and Xbox launch is anticipated around Q2 2025.