From a GameStar interview with the developers of the fantasy game Crimson Desert, some interesting information can be derived regarding multiplayer. We can apparently expect a kind of Red Dead Online.
What is Crimson Desert? Crimson Desert was announced as an MMORPG by the developer studio Pearl Abyss at the end of 2019, but was then referred to as an open-world action-adventure at the Game Awards in early December 2020 .
The developers now want to offer a story in which you play MacDuff, the leader of a mercenary group. You will experience this story in single-player mode. Nevertheless, there will also be a multiplayer part.
A multiplayer similar to Red Dead Redemption 2
How do the developers explain the multiplayer? HwanKyoung Jung, producer of Crimson Desert, said in an interview with our colleagues from Gamestar Plus:
We have thought about the genre of Crimson Desert for a long time. When we considered what we should focus on in Crimson Desert, we wanted to do a good job with the storytelling structure and storyline rather than the elements that one expects from an existing MMORPG.
Additionally, we want to provide solid action battles and combat mechanics, but also give players the option to play together with their friends in a multiplayer environment. We did not want to limit the game to simply having an ending like other single-player titles. We wanted to create a game that offers a strong storytelling structure but also has an open world where players can form communities with other players.
Regarding the risk that less successful titles like Anthem or Marvel’s Avengers show with a mix of single-player and multiplayer, HwanKyoung Jung remarked:
I don’t think it’s appropriate to talk about other games here. We are focused on delivering a gameplay experience that is unique to Crimson Desert. We envision a game that not only offers a good storyline but also allows players to enjoy it with their friends. Therefore, it will be possible to build communities between players in the game.
So how could this mix of single-player and online play look? We know that in the single-player story, you will play the hero MacDuff. This is a predefined character whose appearance is also fixed. You can only customize him through armor and clothing.
However, the developers have already explained that you will also be allowed to create another character. You can design this character however you like during creation. This is very reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption 2. In the single-player part, you embody Arthur Morgan, while in multiplayer you create your own hero.
Furthermore, it was mentioned that single-player and multiplayer will seamlessly transition into each other. This suggests that you will likely switch between MacDuff and your own character in the game. It could be possible that your self-created hero is a member of MacDuff’s mercenary group and you then make the switch at the camp.
If you play as MacDuff, you will experience the story where you even make decisions that are supposed to have an impact on the further course of the storyline.
If you play as your self-created hero, you will encounter other players and can embark on adventures together with them or perhaps even compete in PvP.
There are still open questions
What is still unclear? It is still unclear whether the game switches to a single-player instance when you embody MacDuff and play the single-player story, or whether other players are also visible in this mode. If that is the case, it would be interesting to know whether and how you can interact with these players while you are pursuing the story.
Another possibility could be a mode like in Red Dead Online that takes place independently of the single-player part. However, this would then make the developers’ statement that single and multiplayer are supposed to transition seamlessly into each other somewhat nonsensical.
So there are still several questions left open regarding how exactly the multiplayer will work in Crimson Desert. Whether it is a separate mode or whether you will also encounter other players in MacDuff’s story.
In any case, Crimson Desert promises to be a very exciting game, especially because of this mix of single-player and multiplayer. In this way, Pearl Abyss does not create competition for themselves with the MMORPG Black Desert Online. The game is likely to appeal to both fans of single-player and online games due to this unusual principle.
What will happen after the release regarding additional content? The team explained in the interview that additional content after the release of Crimson Desert is very important and regular updates are also planned.
However, there will be more information on this at a later date.
When will Crimson Desert be released? The release was stated as the end of 2021. A specific date will follow. Crimson Desert is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. A release for PS4 and Xbox One is also possible.
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