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Crimson Desert Dev Conducting ‘Extensive Research’ on Multiplayer Modes, Plots Potential Sequels
Pearl Abyss has outlined its plans for Crimson Desert following the action role-playing game's blockbuster launch, confirming it is researching potential multiplayer modes and exploring further sequels. The update, shared in the South Korean studio's latest financial letter, also confirmed a first DLC before the end of the year and a Nintendo Switch 2 version, reflecting the developer's efforts to build on the game's strong commercial performance.
Crimson Desert launched on 19 March and quickly became a hit, earning around $178.8 million in its first fortnight and surpassing six million copies sold within three months, with over 80% of sales coming from North America and Europe. Second-quarter revenue (April to June) softened slightly to roughly $96.3 million as Pearl Abyss prioritised content optimisation over major expansions, taking total revenue past a quarter of a billion dollars; the studio projects full-year revenue of around $332-352 million. The DLC is due for an announcement in the third quarter, the Switch 2 version is targeted for the first half of next year, and Pearl Abyss says multiplayer integration remains under "extensive research" given the complexity of adapting the game's combat and open world.
In short
- Pearl Abyss researching multiplayer modes and possible sequels for Crimson Desert
- First DLC announcement expected before Q3 2026 ends
- Switch 2 version targeted for first half of next year
Explained simply
Crimson Desert is an action role-playing game made by South Korean studio Pearl Abyss. Players explore a large world and fight enemies, and the game is designed primarily as a single-player experience.
The game sold strongly after its March launch, with most copies bought in North America and Europe. Its success has led Pearl Abyss to consider how to keep the game growing, including downloadable content, a version for Nintendo’s Switch 2 and possible future games in the series.
Adding multiplayer could affect how players explore the world and take part in combat, so it would require changes to a game built around solo play. Pearl Abyss’s plans matter to players and the studio because they could shape how the game develops and how long it remains supported.