Crimson desert's rocky start turns around as patches bring improvement

When Crimson Desert launched on Steam, the highly anticipated open-world RPG from Pearl Abyss faced a chilly reception from players, leading to a significant drop in the company's stock price.

Initial hiccups and mixed reviews

Players were quick to express their disappointment, citing issues with combat, movement, and controls. The negative feedback echoed across online forums and social media, with many calling into question the game's overall quality. As a result, Pearl Abyss' shares plummeted by 29% in just a few hours, wiping out over $2.5 billion in market value and leaving the studio's fortunes in a precarious state reminiscent of 2025 levels.

However, the South Korean developer wasted no time in addressing the concerns, releasing not one but three patches in under a week to tackle the problems. This rapid response and willingness to listen to feedback have paid dividends, as Crimson Desert's Steam user reviews have since shifted to a predominantly positive 77% approval rating.

A turnaround in fortunes

As the game's performance improved with each patch, so too did investor confidence. Pearl Abyss' stock price has since recovered, surging 27% to near its January highs. Furthermore, the company announced that Crimson Desert has sold over 3 million copies in just five days, a testament to the game's enduring appeal and positioning it as one of the standout titles of 2026.