Crimson Desert PlayStation Exclusivity Denied

Pearl Abyss has decided to publish Crimson Desert without platform restrictions, rejecting Sony’s offer of timed exclusivity. Sony envisioned that the game could be a Ghost of Tsushima-like success and demanded that the game be released exclusively on PlayStation for a certain period of time through an exclusivity offer. However, South Korean game studio Pearl Abyss rejected this offer and opted for a strategy that would allow the game to reach a wider audience.

PlayStation Crimson Desert Exclusivity

Sony has increased its interest in exclusivity deals, especially for South Korea-based game developers. PlayStation previously struck a similar deal with Shift Up for Stellar Blade and wanted to follow a similar path for Crimson Desert. However, Pearl Abyss turned down the offer, believing that self-publishing the game would give them more flexibility, profit and global reach. This decision was officially announced at the Kiwoom Corp. Day event on September 26, 2024.

Sony’s claim of exclusivity for Crimson Desert is linked to the company’s high view of the game’s potential. By obtaining exclusivity, PlayStation was aiming to create a hit like Ghost of Tsushima. The move is seen as a reflection of Sony’s interest in AAA-level games coming out of South Korea. The Korean government’s prioritization of supporting more high-budget games following the success of Stellar Blade has also whetted Sony’s appetite for potential projects in the region.

South Korea has become one of the countries that have made great strides in the gaming industry in recent years. The government’s investments and support for the gaming industry aims to increase the number of AAA games. This independent move by Pearl Abyss can be considered as an indication that Korean developers can stand on their own feet in the global gaming market.

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