Crimson Desert, Black Desert Online's Successor, Turns Down PS5 Exclusivity Deal

Pearl Abyss Rejects PS5 Exclusivity Deal for Crimson Desert, Opting for Independent Publishing

Pearl Abyss, the developer behind the anticipated action-adventure game Crimson Desert, has reportedly declined a PlayStation exclusivity deal with Sony. The decision maintains the studio's commitment to self-publishing.

Sony's Bid for Exclusivity Fails: Pearl Abyss Prioritizes Independence

Crimson Desert Release Date and Platforms Remain Unconfirmed

In a statement to Eurogamer, Pearl Abyss reaffirmed its independent publishing strategy for Crimson Desert, citing a previous earnings call where this plan was publicly announced. While acknowledging and appreciating its business partners, the developer emphasized its ongoing discussions regarding potential collaborations.

A playable build of Crimson Desert will be showcased to media this week in Paris, followed by a public demonstration at G-Star in November. The developer clarified that no release date has been set, dismissing recent articles about a specific launch date as speculation.

September investor meetings revealed Sony's attempt to secure Crimson Desert as a PS5 exclusive, potentially excluding Xbox for a period. However, Pearl Abyss's internal assessment concluded that self-publishing would yield significantly higher profitability.

While the final platform lineup and release date remain unannounced, a PC, PlayStation, and Xbox launch is anticipated around Q2 2025.