Crimson Desert Dev Conducting 'Extensive Research' on Multiplayer Modes, Plots Potential Sequels

Pearl Abyss has detailed its plans for smash hit action role-playing game Crimson Desert, confirming it is exploring multiplayer modes. Meanwhile, we have a target launch window for the Nintendo Switch 2 version, and talk of potential sequels.

In the South Korean company’s latest financial letter, Crimson Desert got a detailed follow-up strategy plan. None of this should come as much of a surprise given how well Crimson Desert has sold. Crimson Desert launched on March 19 and was an instant hit for Pearl Abyss, bringing in KRW 266.5 billion (approx. $178.8 million) in just a couple of weeks. More than 80% of those Crimson Desert sales came from North America and Europe. Less than three months after launch, Crimson Desert crossed the 6 million copies sold mark.

Detailing its second quarter results (April to June 2026), Pearl Abyss said Crimson Desert revenue softened slightly following the previous quarter, as the developer focused on content optimization rather than major expansions. The game sold approximately 2.11 million copies during the period, with digital sales accounting for 1.72 million copies (82%) and physical sales accounting for 0.39 million copies (18%).

Crimson Desert brought in KRW 136.1 billion (approx. $96.3 million) in the second quarter. Add that on to the approx. $178.8 million the game made in the launch quarter, and we’re looking at over a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue in just over three months. Looking ahead, Pearl Abyss projected Crimson Desert revenue will settle on KRW 468.9~497.3 billion (approx. $332~352 million dollars).

So, what’s Pearl Abyss doing to capitalize on the success of Crimson Desert? The DLC is currently under development scheduled for release “this year,” Pearl Abyss said, “while we refine its content direction and overall quality.” Expect an announcement during the third quarter of this year — so at some point before the end of September.

What could this DLC involve? Players have gone out of bounds and found various interesting parts of the map with unused content. There's also a named area to the east, called Sunbaked Peaks, that players are currently unable to reach. Perhaps a story expansion could open that up.

“Please note that plans regarding the total number of DLCs and their release cadence have not yet been finalized, as our primary focus is on ensuring the quality and successful execution of the first DLC,” Pearl Abyss added. “Subsequent DLC releases and operational plans will be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of user feedback, sales trends, development resources, and company-wide pipelines.”

Then there’s “platform expansion.” The Switch 2 version has “reached a playable baseline, and we are currently conducting technical reviews regarding performance optimization and quality standard compliance, targeting a release in the first half of next year,” Pearl Abyss said.

“We are striving to make Crimson Desert available across as many platforms as possible,” Pearl Abyss continued. “However, platform expansion is not merely a straightforward port; the key requirement is ensuring that the game's graphics, combat action, and seamless open-world experience are fully preserved on each target device.”

Pearl Abyss sounds very interested in multiplayer for Crimson Desert, although it’s not yet sure it will work.

“Given Crimson Desert's dynamic action combat and expansive open-world structure, there is significant potential for expansion into multiplayer modes,” it explained. “However, integrating multiplayer functionality is far more complex than simply adding a new game mode; it represents a major technical initiative that requires comprehensive evaluation of server architecture, game balance, cross-platform stability, and live service operation models.

“Accordingly, we are currently conducting extensive research from both technical and gameplay perspectives. Our overarching goal is to extend how users engage with the Crimson Desert IP over the long term, and we will share further details through our official channels as our plans materialize.”

I’m not sure this means that Crimson Desert will get multiplayer. Perhaps the work being done now is with a future Crimson Desert game in mind, a multiplayer focused Crimson Desert game maybe, or even Crimson Desert 2. But it’s unclear — this may well be about the Crimson Desert that is out now getting multiplayer modes of some sort.

While multiplayer is on the table, a mobile version of Crimson Desert is not — understandable for such a technically impressive video game. And finally, there’s talk of Crimson Desert as a franchise, with Pearl Abyss saying it’s “not a one-off title, but a core flagship IP of our company designed for long-term growth and expansion.”

“Accordingly, while we remain open to various possibilities — including add-on content, platform expansion, and sequel titles — our immediate development priority is centered on Crimson Desert DLCs and our next pipelines.

“Regarding the broader Crimson Desert franchise, we will evaluate future development opportunities in due course as we service the main game and its DLCs, taking into account user feedback, market conditions, and commercial performance.”

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.