The developer of upcoming open-world motion fantasy recreation Crimson Desert has revealed its single-player open world journey recreation has “unavoidably” slipped from a This autumn 2025 launch to Q1 2026.
In its newest name with traders, Pearl Abyss mentioned this was due to “longer than anticipated timelines arising from schedule coordination and collaborations with a number of companions for offline distribution, voiceovers, console certification, and different launch preparations.”
The corporate mentioned a agency launch date will probably be introduced “at a extra acceptable time based mostly on enterprise issues,” however didn’t specify what these “enterprise issues” can be.
Gamers can nonetheless anticipate to see Crimson Desert at Gamescom and PAX West, nevertheless, in addition to Tokyo Recreation Present.
“At the moment, Crimson Desert has been within the means of [recording] voiceovers, whereas additionally finishing up duties similar to console certification in preparation for its launch,” Pearl Abyss introduced in its Q2 2025 earnings conference call, as transcribed by Gematsu. “Within the case of promoting, we plan to take part in Gamescom and PAX West this August to showcase our open-world construct. And in September, we’ll be part of the Tokyo Recreation Present to strengthen our advertising efforts within the Japanese market.
“The launch of Crimson Desert, our first large-scale AAA console recreation, has been unavoidably delayed by one quarter, from the beforehand introduced schedule. That is due to longer than anticipated timelines arising from schedule coordination and collaborations with a number of companions for offline distribution, voiceovers, console certification, and different launch preparations. We sincerely apologize for not having the ability to meet the initially promised fourth quarter launch schedule. Please kindly perceive that it is a strategic choice geared toward insuring success on a significant scale.
“The discharge date has been internally confirmed for Q1 2026,” the assertion concluded. “Nonetheless, given the change in launch timing, we’ll announce the date at a extra acceptable time based mostly on enterprise issues, reasonably than making an announcement at Gamescom subsequent week. We’re grateful on your continued curiosity in our firm, and we’ll do our utmost to ship a good higher expertise going ahead.”
From the makers of Black Desert On-line, Crimson Desert is about within the fantasy world of Pywel wherein you may uncover journey, uncover wonders, and expertise thrilling motion as you “witness the saga surrounding Kliff, chief of the Greymanes, whose mission takes him on an unbelievable journey.” It is set for launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Sequence X and S.
On the finish of final 12 months, Pearl Abyss responded to studies indicating it had turned down a proposal of PlayStation 5 exclusivity from Sony, claiming that if it had accepted Sony’s supply, which allegedly included Sony’s “advertising energy and numerous distinctive incentives,” Crimson Desert would have been unique to PS5 for a 12 months, with no launch on Xbox and with PC distribution rights additionally belonging to Sony. Ultimately, it decided that it could be higher off self-publishing Crimson Desert than it could be had it partnered with Sony to share income with the PlayStation maker.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, in addition to a critic, columnist, and marketing consultant with 15+ years expertise working with a number of the world’s greatest gaming websites and publications. She’s additionally a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually Excessive Chaos. Discover her at BlueSky.