Crimson desert's rocky launch turns around with swift patches and strong sales

Pearl Abyss' highly anticipated open-world game Crimson Desert launched to lukewarm reception, with player feedback mixed and criticism mounting. However, the South Korean developer swiftly pushed out three major patches in under a week, addressing key issues and drastically improving the overall experience.

Valuations now mostly positive, sales soar past 3 million copies

As the patches rolled out, player satisfaction rose, and the tide began to turn. Crimson Desert's Steam page now boasts a 77% positive rating, with many reviewers praising the game's improvements. This marked turnaround has seen the title's fortunes rebound, with Pearl Abyss' stock price surging 27% to return to January levels.

Moreover, the game's commercial performance has been nothing short of phenomenal. In just five days, Crimson Desert has sold over three million copies worldwide, solidifying its status as one of 2026's biggest launches.