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 Sony offer for PS5 exclusivity. The company confirmed its commitment to self-publishing in a statement to Eurogamer, emphasizing the profitability of this approach. While acknowledging ongoing discussions and collaborations with various partners, Pearl Abyss reiterated its independent publishing strategy, previously announced during a public earnings call.
The decision follows a September investor meeting where it was revealed Sony attempted to secure Crimson Desert as a PS5 exclusive, potentially excluding Xbox for a period. Pearl Abyss's preference for self-publishing, deemed more lucrative, ultimately led to the rejection of the deal.
No official release date or definitive platform list has been announced. However, Pearl Abyss plans a playable Crimson Desert demo showcase for media this week in Paris, followed by a public demonstration at G-Star in November. Current expectations point towards a PC, PlayStation, and Xbox release sometime in Q2 2025. Any reports suggesting otherwise are purely speculative at this time.