Pearl Abyss Rejects Sony's Exclusivity Deal for Crimson Desert

South Korean game developer Pearl Abyss has reportedly opted not to accept an exclusivity deal from Sony for their upcoming game, Crimson Desert. This deal would have restricted the game’s release on Xbox for a specified period. The decision was announced during a presentation at Kiwoom Corp. Day on September 26, 2024.

According to a summary from the Kiwoom Corp. Day event (translated via Google), Pearl Abyss revealed that Sony proposed a timed exclusivity deal aimed at enhancing the PlayStation lineup. This is part of Sony's increasing interest in collaborating with South Korean developers, similar to their previous partnership with Shift Up for Stellar Blade.

However, Pearl Abyss declined the offer, opting for self-publishing instead. The studio believes that self-publishing will provide greater flexibility and profitability, allowing the game to reach a wider audience without platform limitations.

Crimson Desert was first showcased at The Game Awards 2020, drawing significant attention for its stunning graphics and expansive open world. In its development, Pearl Abyss drew inspiration from acclaimed titles like The Witcher 3 for its narrative and design elements. Sony even likened its atmosphere to that of Ghost of Tsushima, which has sold over 10 million copies, suggesting that Crimson Desert could achieve similar success if the exclusivity deal had been secured.

Pearl Abyss' decision reflects a growing trend in the gaming industry, where developers seek more control over their games and distribution methods, as evidenced by companies like Square Enix.

By choosing to self-publish, Pearl Abyss can release Crimson Desert across multiple platforms, including Xbox, PC, and PlayStation, enabling them to reach a larger audience and boost their revenue.

Meanwhile, Sony is actively forming partnerships with Korean developers to enhance its game portfolio, as demonstrated with titles like Stellar Blade. However, Pearl Abyss' focus on self-publishing illustrates a desire among developers for greater independence from timed exclusivity agreements.

Crimson Desert is set to be released in Q2 2025 after experiencing another major delay, for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.