Tag: Crimson Desert

  • Crimson Desert Performance Remains Strong Despite Denuvo Addition

    Crimson Desert Performance Remains Strong Despite Denuvo Addition

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crimson Desert is set to launch on March 19 and aims to be one of the largest open-world games ever created.
    2. Pearl Abyss has confirmed that the game will include Denuvo, a controversial DRM technology.
    3. The studio claims that Denuvo will not negatively impact the game’s performance, based on shared performance metrics.
    4. Previous concerns about Denuvo’s impact on frame rates (up to 30FPS drops) may not apply to Crimson Desert.
    5. Pre-orders for the disc version of Crimson Desert are available for PlayStation 5 on Amazon US.

    Promising to be one of the largest open-world games ever created, Crimson Desert is set to launch on March 19. The production studio, Pearl Abyss, recently confirmed that Denuvo will be included in the game. While this news has sparked a lot of criticism, the company’s official comments could help ease some concerns.

    No Negative Impact on Performance

    As noted by Paul Tassi on X, Pearl Abyss insists that including Denuvo has not harmed the game’s performance. All performance metrics shared so far have been obtained from versions of the game that use Denuvo.

    The benchmark videos and performance specifications that we provided were made with the same Denuvo implementation that will be in the final release. This includes the performance videos produced by Digital Foundry. It’s essential that the experiences of reviewers and benchmarkers align with what final consumers will encounter.

    – Pearl Abyss, as mentioned by Paul Tassi

    Denuvo’s Mixed Reputation

    Denuvo is well-known for being a DRM that is hard to crack, but it also has a bad reputation for hurting performance. To be specific, some tests have revealed that certain games can experience frame rate drops of up to 30FPS when the DRM is activated. Luckily, it seems that Crimson Desert might escape this particular issue.

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  • Crimson Desert PS5: 48GB Download Required for Offline Play

    Crimson Desert PS5: 48GB Download Required for Offline Play

    Key Takeaways

    1. Large File Size: Crimson Desert for PS5 has a physical disc size of 77GB, with an additional required download of 48.24GB upon release.

    2. Storage Challenges: The PS5’s maximum storage is 100GB, leading to difficulties in managing large game files, as seen with other titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

    3. Pre-order Issues: Even collector’s editions face mandatory download problems, raising concerns for players with unreliable internet, similar to issues faced with other games.

    4. Rising Memory Costs: The price for additional storage is increasing, making it less economical to upgrade, as even small updates are now common on release day.

    5. Positive Early Reviews: Despite the storage issues, early reviews suggest Crimson Desert offers a high-quality, expansive gameplay experience, with impressive graphics and physics.

    As with a lot of open-world games on consoles, the Crimson Desert version for PS5 comes with a hefty file size. Social media account “Does it play?” confirmed that the physical version includes about 77GB on its disc. However, players will also need to download an additional 48.24GB when it releases on March 19. Without this download, offline play won’t be an option.

    Console Limitations

    The maximum storage for PS5 media is 100GB, which can be a challenge for large games. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, for instance, takes up 147GB, which can make internet connections struggle post-purchase. Critics of digital gaming often voice concerns about mandatory downloads.

    Pre-order Concerns

    Even the Crimson Desert Deluxe Edition pre-orders, which target collectors, face similar issues. Some fans wished that Pearl Abyss would take cues from other big titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, which uses multiple discs to help those without reliable internet access.

    It’s unfortunate that as games grow in size, consoles are falling behind. Users of Switch 2 are encountering comparable challenges with Game-Key cards. The handheld’s 64GB cartridges fall short for large open worlds akin to those in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. Players must connect to servers to access additional data since the Game-Key Card holds only limited information.

    Rising Costs

    With storage becoming scarce, the prices for additional memory are rising, making it less economical to upgrade. Physical releases used to save space on SSDs, but now even small updates are often required on the first day.

    The silver lining is that early reviews for Crimson Desert indicate that the PS5 game may be worth the trouble. Pearl Abyss has marketed an almost limitless open-world experience, and it seems they’ve delivered on that promise. One YouTuber shared that even after 50 hours of gameplay, he had only seen a small part of Pywel. The graphics are top-notch, performance meets the mark, and the hyper-realistic physics enhance the combat experience significantly.

    To clarify, after the initial download on release day, gamers can indeed play the Crimson Desert PS5 version offline. Pearl Abyss has also mentioned on its site that not all game data would fit on the disc.

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  • Crimson Desert PS5 Pro Performance Review: Enhanced Game Insights

    Crimson Desert PS5 Pro Performance Review: Enhanced Game Insights

    Key Takeaways

    1. The PS5 Pro handles Crimson Desert well, providing impressive open-world performance even without the latest PSSR.
    2. Players can choose between Performance, Balanced, and Quality modes on the PS5 Pro, with ray tracing available in all modes.
    3. Performance mode aims for 60 fps with upscaling from 1080p to 4K, but frame rates can drop below 40 fps during larger battles.
    4. Potential improvements with the updated PSSR could enhance image quality, but some visual glitches may still occur.
    5. Despite minor flaws, the PS5 Pro’s performance has generated excitement, with the game being described as one of the most impressive open-world experiences to date.

    With worries that Crimson Desert might put pressure on less powerful consoles, the PS5 Pro has gained some attention. Digital Foundry has reported that this top-tier PlayStation system can handle the game well. Even without the newest PSSR, the performance analysis praises the open-world settings as breathtaking. The ray tracing and extremely high detail levels bring vibrancy to a game already filled with action.

    Pre-Launch Concerns

    As the March 19th release of Crimson Desert approaches, experts have questioned why Pearl Abyss prioritized the PC version. Digital Foundry has only shared their thoughts on the PS5 Pro so far, but they plan to provide insights on other consoles soon. Nevertheless, it seems the game could be well-optimized for various platforms.

    Gameplay Options

    On Sony’s premium hardware, players have the choice between Performance, Balanced, and Quality modes. Ray tracing is available in all three modes, enhancing the realism of lighting effects.

    In Performance mode, the game upscales from 1080p to 4K, aiming for 60 fps. Digital Foundry discovered that the PS5 Pro Enhanced version usually meets this goal, with infrequent stuttering. However, larger battles and scenes featuring many NPCs can drop frame rates below 40 fps. Digital Foundry suspects that CPU limitations might be to blame.

    Balanced mode offers a native resolution of 1440p, resulting in visuals at 40 fps. Meanwhile, Quality mode runs at 30 fps, showcasing Crimson Desert in full detail. Frame rates were stable in both modes, though controls became less responsive.

    Possible Improvements

    If the updated PSSR is released on the same day as Crimson Desert, Performance mode could become the best option. Image quality is expected to enhance, but as seen with Resident Evil Requiem, some visual glitches might still be present. The analysis reveals that the denoiser can create flickering, especially along the edges of jagged objects.

    Activating VRR in Performance and Balanced modes brings additional drawbacks. When frame rates dip below the minimum VRR threshold, screen tearing occurs. Digital Foundry attributes this issue to the absence of low frame-rate compensation (LFC).

    Despite some flaws, the PS5 Pro performance review for Crimson Desert has only increased excitement. Echoing the findings of another leaked review, John Linneman describes it as one of the “most impressive open world experiences” to date. Distancing itself from competitors, even far-off objects appear clear. The physics engine also impresses, with foliage responding to the faintest gusts of wind.

    Digital Foundry’s

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  • Crimson Desert Adds Denuvo DRM, Leads to Pre-Order Cancellations

    Crimson Desert Adds Denuvo DRM, Leads to Pre-Order Cancellations

    Key Takeaways

    1. Denuvo anti-piracy technology will be included in Crimson Desert, confirmed by Valve just before its release.
    2. Players are upset about the last-minute addition of Denuvo and are threatening to cancel pre-orders.
    3. Some fans feel misled by Pearl Abyss, citing out-of-context comments about anti-piracy measures.
    4. Denuvo can cause performance issues, potentially affecting gameplay in the open world of Crimson Desert.
    5. The impact of Denuvo on sales is unclear, as some games have still achieved high player counts despite using the DRM.

    Before buying a Steam game, those against Denuvo often check for any indication of this anti-piracy technology. Gamers were hopeful that the new project from Pearl Abyss would not include this controversial software. However, just before the release on March 19th for Crimson Desert, Valve confirmed that the DRM would be present, which could affect game performance.

    Player Reactions

    As soon as the news spread, complaints flooded the game’s Steam forum. Many players are unhappy about the last-minute addition of Denuvo after deciding to purchase the game. Consequently, several buyers are threatening to cancel their pre-orders for Crimson Desert, something Valve permits before the official launch.

    Misunderstandings and Misinformation

    Some fans feel they were misled by Pearl Abyss, referencing an earlier statement from a developer. Nevertheless, it seems those comments were taken out of context. The studio only mentioned that a decision regarding anti-piracy measures was still pending. Critics, however, argue that the timing of this decision was a strategic move to secure more sales.

    Denuvo works by encrypting a game’s executable file and monitoring for any code alterations. While it has had some success in fighting piracy, the constant checks can put stress on CPUs, leading to performance issues like stuttering. Resident Evil Village is a well-known case, causing Capcom to issue a patch to enhance frame rates.

    Performance Concerns

    In other titles, the DRM hasn’t harmed performance. Still, there are concerns that the vast open world of Crimson Desert could strain even the best gaming PCs. Sadly, many early reviews may not take into account how the DRM affects the game.

    Regarding sales, it remains unclear if Denuvo consistently impacts a publisher’s earnings. For instance, Resident Evil Requiem still achieved record player counts on Steam despite the DRM. Generally, companies like Capcom focus on fighting piracy during a game’s initial launch, where most sales occur. It’s common to see the DRM removed a few months post-launch.

    A leaked review of Crimson Desert indicated that it would appeal to players seeking an expansive open-world experience. However, many of the initial Steam reviews are likely to concentrate on the anti-tamper software instead.

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  • Crimson Desert Review: Gameplay Praise and Release Date Concerns

    Crimson Desert Review: Gameplay Praise and Release Date Concerns

    Key Takeaways

    1. Engaging Storyline: The new narrative in Crimson Desert is more captivating than Black Desert, though it may not reach the heights of top RPGs like The Witcher 3.

    2. Complex Combat Mechanics: Combat is intricate and requires effort to master, but offers diverse animations and strategies based on enemy approach, keeping gameplay engaging.

    3. Vast World Exploration: The game features a large world similar to Red Dead Redemption 2, with extensive exploration opportunities noted by players.

    4. Quality-of-Life Issues: Concerns exist around inventory management, with players potentially facing item overload and lacking storage solutions in camps.

    5. Time Commitment Required: The game demands significant time investment for progress, which may deter casual gamers, despite the creator’s high praise and expected Metacritic score around 80-85.

    The Crimson Desert review embargo wraps up on March 18th, but a YouTuber has already shared his early thoughts. A well-known Spanish content creator, Revenant, posted an in-depth analysis before taking down the video. Nevertheless, some Reddit users managed to capture the insights, which praised important gameplay features. However, certain frustrations could lessen the game’s attraction at launch (spoilers ahead).

    Storyline and Narrative

    One significant issue with Black Desert was its disjointed narrative. Revenant claims that this new storyline is more engaging, even if it doesn’t meet the high standards of RPGs like The Witcher 3. Still, players might find the combat to be the main draw of this open-world experience.

    Combat and Gameplay Mechanics

    Revenant mentions that the combat is intricate and requires a lot of effort to get the hang of. Yet, players will enjoy how the available moves shift based on their approach to an enemy. The animations are diverse too, which helps keep the grinding from becoming too dull.

    World Exploration and Scale

    Leading up to the release of Crimson Desert, Pearl Abyss touted its vastness. With promises of exploration akin to Red Dead Redemption 2, it seems those assertions hold some truth. Revenant notes that after spending 50 hours playing, he has only barely explored the world.

    Shortcomings and Concerns

    The leaked review of Crimson Desert also points out a few drawbacks. Quality-of-life aspects are a concern for the YouTuber, especially with inventory management being quite a hassle. Gamers might quickly find themselves overloaded with items, and there are no storage solutions available in camps.

    Time Commitment and Expectations

    This title might feel daunting for players seeking a more laid-back gaming experience. The combat is complex, and significant time is necessary to make real progress. Even though Revenant calls it his “favorite open world game ever,” he anticipates a Metacritic score around 80 or 85.

    Performance Considerations

    One subject the review did not elaborate on is performance. Black Abyss has come under fire, especially due to a lack of gameplay footage on the PS5 or PS5 Pro. However, the recently announced PC system requirements seem fair. The tech site Digital Foundry was also given console versions for a comparison regarding the release date.

    PlayStation subreddit

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  • Nvidia Launches 15 New Games for GeForce NOW This Month

    Nvidia Launches 15 New Games for GeForce NOW This Month

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia is expanding the GeForce NOW library each month for gamers.
    2. March 2026 will see the addition of 15 new games to the service.
    3. The standout title for March is Crimson Desert, an anticipated open-world action-adventure game.
    4. Crimson Desert features exploration, quests, and interactions with characters in a vast environment.
    5. New titles will be introduced gradually throughout March, keeping content fresh for players.

    Nvidia is continuously growing the GeForce NOW library each month, giving gamers the opportunity to stream a broader selection of titles from their current collections without the need for top-tier equipment. For March 2026, the company has declared that 15 new games will be incorporated into the service. This selection features a combination of popular games and a few anticipated arrivals.

    Major Highlight: Crimson Desert

    The standout title in this month’s offering is Crimson Desert, which is among the most awaited games of the year. This game presents an open-world action-adventure experience set in the continent of Pywel. It allows players to traverse a vast environment brimming with deserts, mountains, and more. The focus of the game is on exploration, enabling players to embark on quests, engage with various characters, and participate in numerous activities across the area.

    Complete Game List for March

    With that in mind, here’s the full roster of GeForce NOW games set to debut in March 2026. A few of these titles are already accessible on the platform, while others will be introduced gradually during the month.

    Nvidia has consistently expanded its offerings, ensuring that players always have fresh content to enjoy.

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  • Crimson Desert PS5 Pro: High Framerate 4K Graphics & PSSR 2 Support

    Crimson Desert PS5 Pro: High Framerate 4K Graphics & PSSR 2 Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crimson Desert features an expansive open world, reportedly larger than Red Dead Redemption 2.
    2. The game is expected to support 4K resolutions and higher frame rates on PS5 Pro, with hopes for a 4K/60 fps mode.
    3. Advanced technology, including PSSR 2, improves image clarity and performance, while Geometry Shader Oversubscription and NGC Culling manage polygon influx.
    4. The standard PS5’s SSD may help reduce loading times and stuttering, and DualSense features enhance gameplay with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
    5. Concerns about performance on consoles persist, but Pearl Abyss plans to release console footage before the game’s March 19th launch to address these issues.

    Crimson Desert boasts an expansive open world that Pearl Abyss assures is even bigger than Red Dead Redemption 2. Lately, however, worries have emerged regarding the game’s performance on consoles. While the footage available so far is primarily from PC, a new preview has sparked optimism for the smooth performance of Crimson Desert on the PS5 Pro.

    Promising Features

    Hands-on impressions from the PlayStation blog indicate that the console will have support for “4K resolutions at higher frame rates.” Gamers are eager for more details, particularly hoping for a 4K/60 fps mode with maximum detail settings. Additionally, ray-tracing will be available for stunningly realistic lighting effects.

    Advanced Technology

    Similar to Resident Evil Requiem, Crimson Desert will utilize what has been referred to as PSSR 2. This upgraded AI-driven upscaling allows the system to produce clearer images while minimizing artifacts. The High CPU Frequency Mode eases the load on processors when players navigate the Pywel continent. Lastly, Geometry Shader Oversubscription and NGC Culling address the constant influx of polygons.

    Sadly, the preview for Crimson Desert does not offer much detail regarding performance on the standard PS5. Nonetheless, the built-in SSD may help to avoid stuttering or long loading times. The article also highlights DualSense features, such as advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers during combat scenarios.

    Anticipation Builds

    Until other outlets are granted access to the PS5 Pro Enhanced version of the game, the blog post is unlikely to silence all critics. Will Powers, the marketing director of Pearl Abyss, has addressed doubts on social media, asserting that the studio will release console footage ahead of the March 19th release of Crimson Desert. As time passes, fans are becoming more anxious.

    If the game encounters issues on the PS5 or Xbox Series X, it might push some players to upgrade to the premium PlayStation hardware. Signs are already showing that the successful Resident Evil Requiem has increased sales for the system. The enhanced PSSR has persuaded some consumers that the PS5 Pro can compete with more expensive gaming PCs.

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  • Crimson Desert Rejects PlayStation Exclusivity for PS5, Xbox Release

    Crimson Desert Rejects PlayStation Exclusivity for PS5, Xbox Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Timing: Crimson Desert is set to release on March 19, 2026, and will be available on both PC and consoles, unlike other major titles like GTA 6.

    2. Exclusivity Offer: Pearl Abyss received a proposal from Sony for a one-year PlayStation 5 exclusivity, which they ultimately declined to maintain broader platform availability.

    3. Financial Considerations: Choosing self-publishing over the exclusivity deal allows Pearl Abyss to retain more profits and avoid losing approximately 30% of total revenue due to platform fees.

    4. Market Focus: Sony is increasingly funding live-service multiplayer games, while there are concerns over the limited selection of single-player exclusives for PS5, despite the success of such titles.

    5. Steam Inclusion: Crimson Desert will be available on Steam at launch, highlighting the growing market presence of Valve and contrasting with other exclusivity strategies employed by Sony.

    Crimson Desert is seen as one of the most awaited games for 2026. Even though the excitement for GTA 6 is very high, Crimson Desert has the edge of being released simultaneously on PC and consoles. There is a possibility that the game’s release on March 19th might have excluded the Xbox Series X|S if the developers had accepted an offer for PlayStation exclusivity.

    Proposal Details

    Forbes discovered this proposal in a report from Pearl Abyss that was translated on the ResetEra forums. The report stated that Sony had praised the open-world action-adventure game. If the developers had agreed to “favorable terms,” Crimson Desert would have been a PS5 exclusive for a year. Additionally, PlayStation wanted the distribution rights for the PC version.

    Financial Decisions

    Pearl Abyss noted that if they went with the exclusivity deal, they would have likely lost 30% of their total revenue due to platform fees. Even though they acknowledged Sony’s big audience, they decided to self-publish in order to keep more profits. The developer is equipped to manage the extra responsibilities that come with this choice.

    Many fans have voiced their concerns about PlayStation’s limited selection of single-player exclusive games for the PS5. The company seems to favor funding live-service multiplayer games like Horizon Hunters Gathering. However, games focusing on single-player experiences have found success. In fact, during discussions, Sony highlighted the similarities between Crimson Desert and Ghost of Tsushima.

    Market Strategy

    To enhance its lineup, the gaming giant also secured timed exclusivity for Phantom Blade Zero from S-Game. Nevertheless, more developers are choosing to bypass the struggling Xbox consoles without any incentives. Microsoft itself has shifted its focus away from exclusivity, even releasing some first-party titles on the PS5.

    One important aspect is the decision to include Steam on the release date for Crimson Desert. Sony has acknowledged Valve’s growing market presence, though they might not have launched the game on PCs right away. Despite being developed by a third-party studio, Sony Interactive Entertainment kept Stellar Blade exclusive to the PS5 for over a year.

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  • Crimson Desert May Dethrone GTA 6 as Game of the Year Contender

    Crimson Desert May Dethrone GTA 6 as Game of the Year Contender

    Key Takeaways

    1. Crimson Desert Release Date: The game is set to launch on March 19 and has been in development for over six years.

    2. Game of the Year Potential: Developer Mike York believes Crimson Desert could win game of the year, especially if GTA 6 does not meet expectations.

    3. Rich Content and Gameplay: York praised the game’s graphics and extensive content, suggesting players could engage with it for hundreds or thousands of hours.

    4. No Microtransactions: Crimson Desert will not include any microtransactions, a first for Pearl Abyss.

    5. Pricing Information: The standard edition is priced at $70, while the deluxe edition costs $80, and the game is available for pre-order on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

    GTA 6 might still be quite a while away, but another huge game has been making waves lately, especially since it’s launching soon. Crimson Desert is the upcoming AAA title from Pearl Abyss, which has been in development for over six years. It’s finally set to be released on March 19. The team has been showcasing some of the game’s features, storylines, and mechanics, and the footage reveals a lot of promise. One game developer even believes it could be the game of the year, possibly overshadowing GTA 6.

    Exciting Insights from a Veteran

    In his recent YouTube video, Mike York from York Street Gaming took a close look at the final features overview video for Crimson Desert. With two decades of experience as an animator, he has worked on notable games like God of War Ragnarok, GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, Uncharted 2, Mortal Kombat 11, among others. In his review of the Crimson Desert video titled ‘Life in Pywell,’ York was impressed by the depth and freedom the game offers to players.

    Potential Game of the Year?

    Not only did he admire the graphics, but he also highlighted the extensive content available in the game. York claimed that Crimson Desert could win game of the year, especially if GTA 6 “drops the ball.” The latter game has already faced two delays and is scheduled for release in November this year, assuming there are no further hold-ups. He compared it to Red Dead Redemption 2, expressing that Crimson Desert could keep players engaged for hundreds, if not thousands of hours. “This game has a ton of potential,” York noted. He continued to say that it could be an amazing experience to immerse oneself in.

    Release Details and Pricing

    As noted earlier, Crimson Desert is set to launch on March 19 and is available for pre-order on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Recently, the developers announced that the game will not include any microtransactions, marking a first for the studio. The standard edition is priced at $70, while the deluxe edition will cost $80.

     

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  • Crimson Desert Will Not Have Post-Launch Microtransactions

    Crimson Desert Will Not Have Post-Launch Microtransactions

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date and Platforms: Crimson Desert is scheduled to release on March 17, 2026, for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
    2. No Microtransactions: The game will not include any microtransactions, offering a complete experience without in-game purchases.
    3. Premium Experience: Developers describe Crimson Desert as a “Premium Experience,” aiming to provide high-quality gameplay.
    4. Comparisons to Other Titles: The game is expected to offer a vast open world that could rival popular games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Skyrim.
    5. Growing Anticipation: Fans are excited and hopeful that Crimson Desert will meet its ambitious goals and deliver a rich gaming experience.

    Crimson Desert is becoming one of the most exciting open-world RPGs set to release in 2026. It’s expected to come out on March 17 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. From what has been revealed so far, it seems to be a strong contender for game of the year, especially given the buzz surrounding it after multiple delays.

    Developer Insights

    Will Powers, a developer for the game, recently spoke with @DroppedFrames and shared some news that will surely please many gamers. Crimson Desert will not have any microtransactions upon its release—not even cosmetic changes that developers usually use to earn extra money from players.

    Premium Experience

    Will describes Crimson Desert as a “Premium Experience,” a term we’ve heard before from Randy Pitchford in relation to Borderlands 4. The game promises to offer a vast, open world that could rival well-known titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. However, as Starfield’s example shows, a large open world doesn’t always guarantee an excellent gameplay experience.

    Final Thoughts

    Overall, the anticipation for Crimson Desert continues to grow, as it aims to deliver a rich gaming experience without the common pitfalls of microtransactions. Fans are eager to see if the game lives up to its promising start and delivers on its ambitious goals.

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