Pearl abyss shifts gears: dokev emerges after years of crimson desert

After a protracted five-year development cycle, Pearl Abyss has finally released Crimson Desert, a visually ambitious open-world RPG. But the South Korean studio isn’t resting on its laurels; the core development team is already pivoting to DokeV, a project that’s been quietly simmering for six years.

From medieval combat to creature collection

The shift is notable, given Pearl Abyss’s historical focus on massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). Crimson Desert was intended as a departure, a foray into a new era for the studio. However, the creation of BlackSpace Engine, the proprietary engine powering both titles, proved to be a significant bottleneck. Simultaneously developing two ambitious open-world games from the ground up proved unsustainable.

Now, with Crimson Desert entering its post-launch phase, the full might of Pearl Abyss’s main development division is being redirected towards DokeV. The studio anticipates this will accelerate the game’s progress and allow for optimal integration of the new technology. But don't expect a direct continuation of the 2019 vision. Initially pitched as an open-world creature collecting MMO, DokeV has evolved into a more traditional action-adventure title where creature capture is a component, rather than the defining feature—a strategic realignment mirroring the broader gameplay variety found in Crimson Desert.

The ambition doesn't stop there. Pearl Abyss isn’t just focused on DokeV. Behind the scenes, development continues on “Plan 8,” another MMO announced back in 2019, but with a science fiction setting and a focus on shooter mechanics and exosuits. This ambitious roadmap means a 2028 release window for DokeV is currently the earliest possibility, with Plan 8 likely landing in the following decade.

The numbers speak for themselves: Pearl Abyss's commitment to these sprawling projects demonstrates a willingness to invest heavily in the future of open-world gaming. While Crimson Desert has arrived, the studio’s gaze is firmly fixed on what’s next, signaling a long-term bet on diverse experiences and a continued push beyond the confines of the traditional MMO genre.