Crimson Desert is the next big project from Pearl Abyss, the developers of Black Desert. At G-Star 2021, a gaming expo in Korea, they showcased the features of their new engine. It is designed to provide appropriate lighting and realistic physics.
What kind of engine is this? Pearl Abyss has created a visually impressive MMORPG with Black Desert. For their new games, they have implemented their own engine, which is said to provide “higher quality games for more players simultaneously.”
This will be utilized in the new games Crimson Desert, DokeV, and Plan 8. All of them will offer multiplayer options, and in Crimson Desert, large PvP battles over fortresses are planned. The new engine is expected to enhance these experiences.
The engine was presented by the developers at G-Star 2021, and they also gave an interview to the Korean website Inven (via Inven.co.kr). This video provides insight into the engine:
Focus on realistic physics and appropriate lighting
What can be seen in the video? The video showcased the features of the new engine. One of them is the realistic physics regarding snow, wind, and flying leaves.
At the beginning, a character can be seen walking through snow, leaving footprints. Where the foot lands, the snow disappears completely, while around it, it gets slightly compressed. These footprints do not vanish immediately when moving for a while. It behaves similarly with the leaves later on.
From the 30-second mark, wind and weather can be seen. The trees move differently depending on the wind strength, and snow falls, which then remains on the formerly green meadow.
In conclusion, a cloak can be seen waving in the wind.
How is the lighting? As Pearl Abyss mentioned in the interview, they use their own technique called “Raymarched Shadow.” This is said to function similarly to ray tracing, taking into account how the visible objects behave (e.g., whether they reflect light) and what other light sources might exist that could create additional shadows.
Depending on graphics settings, players should be able to experience many details, such as in the cobblestone road in this image.
Additionally, they have developed a special “Fluid” technique, which allows them to create realistic fog, sandstorms, and similar effects.
3 new titles from Pearl Abyss coming in the next years
Which games are being developed with the engine? Pearl Abyss is currently working on three games. The title that will likely be released first is Crimson Desert. It is a mix of action-adventure and MMORPG:
- The story campaign can probably be experienced in singleplayer or coop, as you play fixed characters like MacDuff and members of his mercenary band.
- However, singleplayer and multiplayer are said to seamlessly merge.
- In the endgame, there should be missions for group players, dungeons, and battles for fortresses in PvP.
DokeV is also being developed in the new engine. This open-world game is somewhat reminiscent of Pokémon and aims to appeal to the whole family.
The third title is Plan 8, a loot shooter reminiscent of Destiny 2 or The Division. It is co-developed by Minh Le, the creator of Counter-Strike. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic scenario, and you will be able to run along walls, fly, and use excessive powers with Exsuits.
The shooter is set to be released for PC and next-gen consoles, but not for “a few years.” You can find everything about Plan 8 here:
Everything about Plan 8, the MMO shooter from the “Counter-Strike” creator
