The core development team behind the recently released open-world action RPG Crimson Desert has shifted its focus to Pearl Abyss’s next major project, DokeV, the South Korean game developer announced during a shareholder meeting. This move signals a strategic realignment within the company following the successful launch of Crimson Desert, which has already surpassed three million sales according to Pearl Abyss.
The transition, first reported by South Korean publication INVEN and subsequently covered by Insider Gaming and GameSpark, comes after a lengthy development period where Pearl Abyss simultaneously worked on Crimson Desert, its game engine, and other unreleased titles. CEO Heo Jin-young highlighted that the studio initially unveiled plans for three new games back in 2019, a commitment that has required a sustained, multi-faceted development effort.
A New Engine, Multiple Projects
Both Crimson Desert and DokeV are being built on Pearl Abyss’s proprietary Blackspace engine, which debuted with Crimson Desert. The engine’s capabilities are now being leveraged for ongoing development of DokeV, with some teams already contributing to “graphic asset production and other tasks in parallel,” according to a Google translation of the INVEN report. This suggests a phased approach to development, allowing for shared resources and expertise across projects.
The shift in personnel doesn’t indicate any issues with Crimson Desert’s performance. The game received a generally positive reception, with critics praising its expansive open world and combat system. Our review of the PlayStation 5 version noted its ambition and visual fidelity, while acknowledging some areas for improvement (read the full review here). The strong initial sales figures further demonstrate the game’s appeal to players.
What is DokeV?
DokeV is an upcoming action-adventure game that has been in development for several years. Details remain somewhat scarce, but it’s known for its distinctive art style and emphasis on collecting and battling creatures known as “Dokebi,” inspired by Korean folklore. The game features a vibrant, cartoonish aesthetic and appears to blend open-world exploration with action-RPG mechanics. Pearl Abyss first revealed gameplay footage of DokeV in 2021, generating significant interest within the gaming community.
Timeline for DokeV’s Release
During the shareholder meeting, Heo Jin-young provided an estimated timeline for DokeV’s completion. He anticipates that it will take “about two to three years from the current timeline to completion, and polishing.” This suggests a potential release window sometime between 2028 and 2029, though Pearl Abyss has not yet announced a firm date. The company is likely prioritizing refinement and ensuring a polished experience before launching the game.
The move to dedicate the Crimson Desert development team to DokeV indicates the importance Pearl Abyss places on its next major title. Leveraging the expertise gained during the development of Crimson Desert, particularly in utilizing the Blackspace engine, could accelerate the development process and contribute to a higher-quality final product. The company’s commitment to supporting both games simultaneously demonstrates a long-term vision for its portfolio.
For players interested in learning more about DokeV, Pearl Abyss has maintained a website with limited information, and further updates are expected as development progresses. The company has also indicated that it will continue to support Crimson Desert with post-launch content and updates, ensuring a continued experience for its player base.
The next major update from Pearl Abyss regarding DokeV is expected during their next quarterly earnings call, where they will likely provide further details on the game’s development progress. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they develop into available.
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