Crimson Desert Dev Conducting 'Extensive Research' on Multiplayer Modes, Plots Potential Sequels

Pearl Abyss, the developer behind the highly successful action role-playing game Crimson Desert, has announced extensive research into potential multiplayer modes for the popular title. The company revealed this plan in its latest financial letter, which detailed Crimson Desert's strategy for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game.

Crimson Desert was launched on March 19 and quickly became a hit, generating KRW 266.5 billion (approximately $178.8 million) in just a couple of weeks. Over 80% of these sales came from North America and Europe, with the game crossing the 6 million copies sold mark less than three months after its release. During the second quarter of 2026, Crimson Desert revenue softened slightly as the developers focused on content optimization, selling around 2.11 million copies, with 82% digital and 18% physical sales.

Looking ahead, Pearl Abyss projected Crimson Desert revenue to settle between KRW 468.9 billion to 497.3 billion (approximately $332 to $352 million) in the coming quarters. The company announced that a DLC is currently under development and scheduled for release "this year," with a potential announcement expected before the end of September. The DLC's content may include previously discovered unused game areas, such as Sunbaked Peaks, an area to the east that players cannot reach yet.

Besides the DLC, Pearl Abyss is also planning to expand Crimson Desert to the Nintendo Switch 2 platform. The game has reached a playable baseline, and technical reviews are ongoing to ensure performance optimization and quality standards compliance. The Switch 2 version is targeted for release in the first half of the next year.

Crimson Desert's potential for multiplayer gameplay has caught the attention of Pearl Abyss. While the company is still evaluating the feasibility of adding multiplayer modes, it believes there is significant potential for expansion given the game's dynamic combat and expansive open-world structure. Pearl Abyss is conducting extensive research from both technical and gameplay perspectives to determine the best way to integrate multiplayer functionality, ensuring that the game's graphics, combat, and open-world experience are preserved on each target device.

However, Pearl Abyss is not focusing on a mobile version of Crimson Desert, as the technical demands of the game make it unsuitable for mobile platforms. Instead, the company views Crimson Desert as a core flagship IP designed for long-term growth and expansion. Future opportunities, including add-on content, platform expansion, and sequel titles, will be evaluated based on user feedback, market conditions, and commercial performance.