The Korean studio Pearl Abyss is mainly known for the game Black Desert. However, it currently has several new MMOs and MMORPGs in development. These are almost exclusively aimed at PC and console players. They are still the largest market, according to the developer.
This is currently happening with MMORPGs: In recent years, hardly any new MMORPGs have been released for PC and when they were, they were either flops or got lost in the masses:
- Bless was released in 2018 and was already discontinued in 2019
- Astellia found its niche, but the player numbers are rather modest a year after release
- Legends of Aria, which saw itself as the successor to Ultima Online, left Early Access this year but hardly managed to reach players
The more successful MMORPGs in recent years have been mobile games, such as Lineage 2M in Korea, Dragon Raja, or Black Desert Mobile. On the other hand, Western MMORPG companies are only hearing bad news, such as the mass layoffs at Guild Wars 2 developer ArenaNet.
What is Pearl Abyss planning? The company behind Black Desert has made good profits with its MMORPGs in recent years. According to its own statement, it made 1.7 billion US dollars in revenue in the 10 years since its founding. 40 % of this comes from Europe and North America (via MMO13).
With the money, they financed the construction of a huge new headquarters, as well as the purchase of EVE developer CCP Games.
They are now focusing on the development of 3 new MMOs. What is exciting is that Pearl Abyss is not focusing on mobile but on PC and consoles.
A release of Crimson Desert on PC and consoles is a must
Why are the games being released on PC and consoles? According to Pearl Abyss, PCs and consoles are still the dominant platforms in gaming.
Additionally, these platforms are essential to “provide the best gaming experience for titles like Crimson Desert“. This is the new MMORPG from Pearl Abyss and is somewhat of a successor to Black Desert.
This distinguishes them greatly from their competitor NCSoft, who has already announced 3 new mobile games and only one PC MMORPG for 2021. Other major MMO developers like Nexon (V4), NetEase (Diablo Immortal), or NetMarble (Lineage 2 Revolution) are also increasingly focusing on mobile.
What makes Crimson Desert so interesting? The new PC MMORPG primarily focuses on PvE and story. You take on the role of various members of a mercenary band and complete missions and quests with them. You should also constantly be able to unlock new characters.
The developers themselves describe their mix of story and gameplay as “next-gen”. Visually, it somewhat resembles Game of Thrones and probably not coincidentally.
Besides the PvE aspects, PvP is also supposed to play an important role. Mass battles are planned, in which each player should be able to take on a different role with the help of mercenaries. Additionally, there should be various tasks, such as providing resources and strategic support on the battlefield (via MMO13).
Much sounds currently like in the open world and PvP you might be able to switch between the members of the mercenary band. Exact details will be revealed in the first beta tests.
When will it be released? Officially Crimson Desert is supposed to be released in Q4 2021. Initial tests are even planned for 2020. The release is planned for PC and consoles. Which consoles have not yet been revealed.
It is already among the most promising MMORPGs here on MeinMMO.
New games and self-publishing
What is changing with publishing? Unlike Black Desert, where the company Kakao Games took over publishing, it currently looks like Pearl Abyss will bring Crimson Desert to us themselves. Possibly also the other MMOs that are currently in development.
This is already indicated by the websites and previous trailers for the games. With Black Desert Mobile, the company successfully brought an MMORPG to the West independently.
Other games from Pearl Abyss: In addition to Crimson Desert, the titles DokeV, a family-friendly MMORPG and Plan 8, a shooter have already been announced. We will embed the reveal trailer for Plan 8 here:
Plan 8 is also a special case, as it is a loot shooter from Korea. This genre is rather unusual there. Additionally, the former Counter-Strike creator Minh Le is involved in the development. However, the title is not expected to be released until 2023.
Pearl Abyss is swimming against the tide, at least partially: Although the company is currently developing 3 games for PC and consoles, Pearl Abyss has also benefitted greatly from the mobile market.
Black Desert Mobile and also EVE Echoes, where they act as publisher, are running successfully and generating increased revenue. Furthermore, other mobile titles are not ruled out. According to Pearl Abyss, games in their in-house engine can also be quickly adapted for mobile gaming.
In addition to Pearl Abyss, the Korean MMO giant NCSoft is also swimming in money. However, this is mainly due to the mobile offerings.
