The MMORPG Black Desert Online (BDO) is currently experiencing a boom. The developer studio Pearl Abyss has reported significantly increasing player numbers.
What did the developers mean? The studio Pearl Abyss explained that Black Desert Online is currently running very successfully. Player numbers are on the rise. And this is happening in almost every country where the game is available.
In Japan, for example, the number of new users increased by 211% in April of this year. In Turkey, it rose by 469% compared to April of last year. In Korea, the number of new and returning users compared to May of last year has increased by 10 to 15 times, which is mainly due to the new seasonal servers.
An MMORPG with a good plan
How does it look in this country? Precise statements cannot be made since there are no player numbers for the Xbox One and PS4 versions. Only the user numbers on Steam can be referenced. According to Steamcharts, it can be seen that player numbers rose by 60 percent in March. However, in April, they dropped again by about 3.6 percent. Nevertheless, an upward trend has been noticeable since January.
What is the reason for this? In January, Pearl Abyss announced the roadmap for new content for the MMORPG Black Desert Online, which is supposed to be released in the first half of 2020. This includes:
- the new region Odyllita with many areas
- a new PvPvE battlefield
- the equipment of the Black Star
- the island region Papua Crinea
- the new class Gardia
There was some criticism because some players wished for more PvP content – especially for smaller groups. There are also discussions about the current implementation of the existing roadmap. The contents from the second quarter are, as of now (May 18), still not in the game, with the exception of “Playing and composing”.
Furthermore, the Korean roadmap of the game differs somewhat from ours. The PvEvP battlefield is missing from ours, and some content comes to the West later. This might also explain why the player numbers here are not increasing as strongly as in other areas.
However, Black Desert Online is fundamentally being developed in a good direction and regularly receives new content. That seems to please the players.
Additionally, the Corona crisis plays a role. Because player numbers increased significantly during that time. More players have time and then look at what is probably the most beautiful MMORPG currently available.
In March, there was also a promotion where you could get the beginner’s package of the PC version of the MMORPG for free. Surely some took advantage of this.
What is next? At the end of May, Pearl Abyss wants to announce the roadmap for the second half of 2020. Then we will know which content Black Desert Online will receive by the end of the year.
Do you want to start playing the MMORPG Black Desert Online now? Then you can prepare well with the MeinMMO article 9 things you can do in the MMORPG Black Desert 2020.
