Crimson Desert Developer Explores Multiplayer and Potential Sequels

Pearl Abyss has unveiled its roadmap for the hit action RPG Crimson Desert, confirming exploration of multiplayer modes. Additionally, a release window for the Nintendo Switch 2 version has been targeted, and the company hints at possible sequels.

In the South Korean company's latest financial report, Crimson Desert received a detailed post-launch strategy. Given the game's stellar sales, this comes as no surprise. Crimson Desert launched on March 19 and was an instant success for Pearl Abyss, generating KRW 266.5 billion (approx. $178.8 million) in just a few weeks. Over 80% of those sales came from North America and Europe. Less than three months after launch, Crimson Desert surpassed 6 million copies sold.

Detailing its Q2 2026 results (April to June), Pearl Abyss noted that Crimson Desert's revenue softened slightly compared to the previous quarter, as the developer focused on content optimization rather than major expansions. The game sold approximately 2.11 million copies during the period, with digital sales accounting for 1.72 million copies (82%) and physical sales for 0.39 million copies (18%).

Crimson Desert brought in KRW 136.1 billion (approx. $96.3 million) in Q2. Combined with the launch quarter's $178.8 million, that's over a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue in just over three months. Looking ahead, Pearl Abyss projects Crimson Desert's total revenue to reach KRW 468.9–497.3 billion (approx. $332–352 million).

So, what's Pearl Abyss doing to capitalize on this success? The first DLC is currently in development, scheduled for release "this year," Pearl Abyss said, "while we refine its content direction and overall quality." Expect an announcement in Q3 2026, before the end of September.

What could this DLC include? Players have used out-of-bounds glitches to discover unused content and an unreachable named area to the east called Sunbaked Peaks. Perhaps a story expansion will open that up.

"Please note that plans regarding the total number of DLCs and their release cadence have not yet been finalized, as our primary focus is on ensuring the quality and successful execution of the first DLC," Pearl Abyss added. "Subsequent DLC releases and operational plans will be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of user feedback, sales trends, development resources, and company-wide pipelines."

Then there's "platform expansion." The Switch 2 version has "reached a playable baseline, and we are currently conducting technical reviews regarding performance optimization and quality standard compliance, targeting a release in the first half of next year," Pearl Abyss said.

"We are striving to make Crimson Desert available across as many platforms as possible," Pearl Abyss continued. "However, platform expansion is not merely a straightforward port; the key requirement is ensuring that the game's graphics, combat action, and seamless open-world experience are fully preserved on each target device."

Pearl Abyss is also very interested in multiplayer for Crimson Desert, though it's not yet certain it will work.

"Given Crimson Desert's dynamic action combat and expansive open-world structure, there is significant potential for expansion into multiplayer modes," it explained. "However, integrating multiplayer functionality is far more complex than simply adding a new game mode; it represents a major technical initiative that requires comprehensive evaluation of server architecture, game balance, cross-platform stability, and live service operation models.

"Accordingly, we are currently conducting extensive research from both technical and gameplay perspectives. Our overarching goal is to extend how users engage with the Crimson Desert IP over the long term, and we will share further details through our official channels as our plans materialize."

It's unclear whether this means Crimson Desert will get multiplayer. Perhaps the current work is aimed at a future multiplayer-focused Crimson Desert game, or even Crimson Desert 2. But it could also be about adding multiplayer modes to the existing game.

While multiplayer is on the table, a mobile version is not — understandable for such a technically demanding game. Finally, Pearl Abyss sees Crimson Desert as a franchise, not a one-off title, but a "core flagship IP of our company designed for long-term growth and expansion."

"Accordingly, while we remain open to various possibilities — including add-on content, platform expansion, and sequel titles — our immediate development priority is centered on Crimson Desert DLCs and our next pipelines.

"Regarding the broader Crimson Desert franchise, we will evaluate future development opportunities in due course as we service the main game and its DLCs, taking into account user feedback, market conditions, and commercial performance."