With the March 20 launch of Pearl Abyss’s upcoming title 'Crimson Desert' fast approaching, more details are trickling out. The most intriguing bit? The developer is focusing on delivering a 'premium experience,' completely ditching microtransactions and the usual in-game storefronts.

Will Powers, the marketing director at Pearl Abyss, appeared on the gaming podcast 'Dropped Frames' on the 15th to answer various questions. One of the key topics was the presence of paid items. Powers stated, "There is no in-game shop for cosmetic items. This game was built as a premium experience where you pay once and enjoy the whole world—it's not designed for microtransactions." He emphasized that while free-to-play titles might need to generate revenue through other means, the premium model means your initial purchase is the only cost you’ll ever face.

We’ve also learned more about the gameplay. Players can choose to act as a 'villain' and commit various illicit acts, and their attack power actually increases as their notoriety grows. However, the team clarified that the protagonist, 'Cliff,' is fundamentally a hero; if players commit illegal acts, they will become wanted criminals, making the journey significantly tougher as they face the consequences and punishments of their choices.

Finally, the approach to difficulty is noteworthy. In an interview with Gamereactor on the 13th, the team confirmed there won't be traditional 'Easy, Medium, Hard' difficulty settings. They explained, "We want players to fully immerse themselves in the story, the world, and the combat. To ensure this, we’ve provided various options to prepare for tough spots, such as gear acquisition and upgrades, consumables for buffs, and special abilities. Players can effectively manage the difficulty themselves by growing stronger through these systems."

The topic of difficulty surfaced again on 'Dropped Frames.' Powers clarified that while there aren't any 'Soulslike' enemies designed to stonewall your progress, if a foe seems too tough, you can simply explore other regions to become stronger. "You can upgrade your weapons, tackle side quests, or seek out various items to make combat easier," he added. "I believe this structure ensures you never really get stuck, which is absolutely vital for a single-player experience."

Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure title built on Pearl Abyss’s proprietary BlackSpace Engine. It follows the journey of Cliff, who is fighting to reclaim his lost homeland, and boasts a massive world, hyper-realistic graphics, and a dynamic combat system. Since January, the studio has been releasing new trailers to showcase the game's depth. The game hits PC and consoles on March 20.