About Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert is an action RPG developed by Pearl Abyss for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Originally intended as a prequel to the MMO Black Desert Online, the game underwent significant changes during its development process.
Quick Facts — Crimson Desert
| Developer | Pearl Abyss |
|---|---|
| Platform(s) | PS5, Xbox Series X, PC |
| Genre | Action RPG |
Matt Firor's Perspective on Crimson Desert
Matt Firor, who ran The Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax Online Studios until 2025, expressed his admiration for Crimson Desert. He stated, "It's fantastic," highlighting the game's potential impact on players. Firor emphasized that the online technology aspect of MMOs often goes unspoken, yet it is usually the most challenging part of creating such games. Pearl Abyss, however, managed to bypass this hurdle.
Firor remarked, "Being able to make a singleplayer MMO is almost like cheating to me," pointing out the unique advantages this format offers. He also questioned why this concept hadn't been explored more extensively in the industry before, asking, "Why didn't anyone think of this before?" His reactions underscore the innovative nature of Crimson Desert's design.
Development Challenges and Changes
Despite its success, the development of Crimson Desert faced hurdles. Firor noted that the game experienced a haphazard feel during its production, which included the pivot to a pure singleplayer experience. Although the original MMO concept loomed large, the shift allowed for a different type of gameplay experience that players may find refreshing.