The developers of Crimson Desert have announced an exciting aspect of their forthcoming open-world action-adventure game: there will be no cosmetic cash shop or microtransactions involved. Scheduled for release on March 19 at a price of $69.99, Crimson Desert promises to deliver a premium gaming experience that allows players to immerse themselves in a vast, seamless world filled with engaging activities.
Will Powers, the director of marketing at Pearl Abyss America, emphasized the game’s premium nature during an appearance on the weekly talk show Dropped Frames. He stated, “I can say that definitively: there is not a cosmetic cash shop,” highlighting the commitment to a straightforward purchase approach. Powers explained that this model contrasts with free-to-play alternatives that often rely on monetizing through various transactions, asserting, “This is a premium experience. That is the transaction. Full stop.”
The absence of microtransactions is a decision that is likely to resonate with gamers seeking a traditional single-player experience, further fueling excitement as anticipation for the game grows. Over recent months, the hype surrounding Crimson Desert has soared, particularly as Pearl Abyss has been unveiling more gameplay footage.
Set in a richly detailed world named Pywel, which is divided into five distinct regions, players will follow the main protagonist Kliff on a quest while having the freedom to explore the environment at their own pace. The game features a wide array of activities such as faction-driven quests, large-scale battles, fortress sieges, and character-focused missions, enhancing its appeal to gamers who appreciate exploration and engagement.
Players can look forward to a truly diverse experience, as two additional playable characters will become available as the story unfolds, each with unique combat styles, skills, and weapons. Exploration will be a key element, allowing players to traverse the landscape on horseback, climb challenging terrains, glide across distances, and utilize advanced options like a rocket-firing mech and even a dragon. Unique encounters await as players can ride bears and uncover hidden treasures, ancient mechanisms, and puzzles designed to reward those who seek out curiosity and discovery.
Powers has characterized the world of Crimson Desert as “absolutely massive,” claiming it surpasses the scales of iconic open-world titles such as Bethesda’s Skyrim and Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2. He notes that while the sheer size of the world is impressive, the true measure of success lies in the activities available to players within it. He remarked, “Size doesn’t really matter if there’s nothing to do,” emphasizing the developers’ focus on creating an interactive, engaging world.
As the game approaches its release date, the developers are currently focused on optimizing performance across all platforms to ensure a smooth gameplay experience for all players. With its expansive world, rich narrative, and a commitment to providing a purely premium experience sans microtransactions, Crimson Desert is shaping up to be a highly anticipated title for fans of the genre.