The upcoming Crimson Desert handles its genre classification quite strangely. It first wanted to be an MMORPG, then suddenly not anymore – but still sounded like one. Now the developers explain in an interview how exactly the multiplayer will work. Apparently, they just do both: MMORPG and singleplayer.
What is Crimson Desert? The upcoming Crimson Desert is from Pearl Abyss, the creators of Black Desert, and is set to be a prequel to the well-known MMORPG on PC and PlayStation 5. You play as Macduff, the leader of a mercenary group.
The focus of Crimson Desert is fully on PvE, but it is also expected to offer a strong story and character development. Roughly, it sounds like a mix of an MMORPG with Red Dead Redemption 2.
Recently, the developers showcased the action gameplay of Crimson Desert with impressive scenes. However, the latest information and details about the upcoming game sound more like singleplayer than MMO.
Wait … is this an MMORPG? No. And kind of yes. Initially, Crimson Desert was presented as a new MMORPG – for PC and PlayStation, which many players were excited about. After all, new representatives of the genre often only come for mobile platforms.
However, the classification suddenly changed at some point. The developers referred to their game at the 2020 Game Awards only as an “Open World Action-Adventure”. So Crimson Desert should no longer be an MMORPG – but still sounds like one. Now there is finally clarification.
MMORPG or Singleplayer? Both!
What the developers say: In an interview with MMOCulture, the two co-producers Hwan-Kyoung Jung and Seong-Woo Lee as well as lead combat designer Hyoseok Chae explain how the multiplayer of Crimson Desert will work:
Macduff’s journey itself is a singleplayer experience. Of course, there are moments where you get help from others, but most is singleplayer. Then, when you switch to multiplayer, you can play the part after your journey. However, you can also switch between singleplayer and multiplayer at any time during the game without interrupting the singleplayer storyline.
In multiplayer mode, you can connect with others while creating your own story and meet others whenever you want. Levels, items, and skills are shared between singleplayer and multiplayer.
The developers further explain why they moved away from the term MMORPG. In their considerations about the genre, they wanted to make it clear that Crimson Desert offers something that goes beyond the boundaries of an MMORPG. There should be the opportunity to play with others while also promoting a strong narrative and interesting scenarios. Multiplayer should be optional.
When can I play? The release of Crimson Desert is currently planned for winter 2021. Before that, there should be beta tests.
Are you looking forward to Crimson Desert? Or do you have another favorite for the upcoming year? If you still need an overview, you can find all the important MMO and multiplayer releases of 2021 in our list here.
