Pearl Abyss has decided to delay the launch of their highly anticipated title, Crimson Desert, which was previously slated for a release within this year.

During a conference call on the 13th, Pearl Abyss officially announced the postponement. Pearl Abyss CEO Heo Jin-young explained, "As we prepare the launch for our first AAA console game, the collaboration process with various partners regarding distribution, voice-over, and console certification has taken longer than initially anticipated."

Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure game currently in development by Pearl Abyss. Set primarily in the continent of Pywell, the narrative follows the brutal survival of the protagonist, Kliff, and the tales of various mercenaries. The title has garnered significant attention for its vast fields and stunning visuals, all powered by the proprietary BlackSpace Engine.

CEO Heo noted during the call, "While we have internally finalized a release schedule, we intend to announce it at a more appropriate time rather than at Gamescom." CEO Heo added, "We sincerely apologise for failing to meet the original promise and ask for your understanding, as this is a strategic decision made to ensure the game's ultimate success."

Following this announcement, the release window for Crimson Desert has been pushed back from the fourth quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2026.