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New smash hit Crimson Desert game has comic connections

By John Freeman on March 25, 2026 • ( 0 )

Crimson Desert, a new open-world action-adventure title, from Pearl Abyss, released just last week, has a comics connections.

The game has sold over two millions since release, although the launch was marred by what the developers say was the accidental inclusion of some AI content, which will be replaced in future.

Launch trailer footage highlights the scale of the open world, and the visually rich gameplay players can experience.

Through vibrant storytelling and intense action, Crimson Desert depicts realistic characters and narratives that revolve around the Greymanes fighting to achieve their noble mission.

Players can experience the beautiful yet brutal continent of Pywel, and witness the conflicts and epic sagas surrounding Kliff, the leader of the Greymanes, as his mission takes him on an unforgettable journey.

Featuring battles against fearsome bosses, the game offers distinctive combat styles for each character, and dynamic gameplay elements such as dragon-riding combat.

Ahead of release, Crimson Desert surpassed three million wishlists across major global platforms, signaling strong anticipation from players worldwide. It’s now available worldwide for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Apple Mac, Epic Games Store and ROG Xbox Ally.

Earlier this week, PSU reported Pearl Abyss had issued a statement to apologise for the inclusion of AI-generated content in Crimson Desert, stating it was unintentionally included and said that future updates would replace the AI assets.

The developer also released a new patch that implements a 120Hz toggle for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game.

Among the creatives on board, blink and you’ll miss it, but you might just spot award winning author and New York Times bestseller Rik Hoskin, alongside Adam Frankfort, and others, in the credits.

Rik will of course be better known to downthetubes readers as the writer of the Red Rising graphic novel, and Nema, republished in SHIFT. He also writes under pen-name James Axler, for the long-running Deathlands and Outlanders novels and audio originals.

Established in 2010, Pearl Abyss is a leading developer in the game industry with its renowned MMORPG franchise Black Desert, which is available on PC, mobile, and console. All of Pearl Abyss’ games are built on the company’s proprietary engine and are renowned for cutting-edge graphics. In addition to Crimson Desert, Pearl Abyss is currently developing DokeV and PLAN 8 using its next-generation game engine and is poised to grow its overseas market.

• Crimson Desert is available worldwide for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Apple Mac, Epic Games Store and ROG Xbox Ally

• More information about Pearl Abyss is available at: pearlabyss.com

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.