Pearl Abyss Releases Gameplay Trailers For Crimson Desert

I woke up yesterday to the news that, after years of complaining from investment analysts, Pearl Abyss released three gameplay videos from its upcoming game Crimson Desert. The plan was to release the trailers at Gamescom but apparently one was released just before the convention opened.

The accompanying press release described the trailer like so:

The trailer immerses players into an intense battle against a towering beast that rules the icy mountain ranges. This formidable boss becomes more aggressive with each phase, unleashing its devastating attacks with increasing ferocity. Players will need to devise their own combat strategies, staying alert and agile to evade White Horn’s relentless assaults.

 

The footage showcases the fierce encounter, with White Horn using its massive body to crush players, pounding them with ape-like fists and unleashing a barrage of powerful attacks that keep players on the defensive. Adding to the challenge, White Horn disappears into the whirlwind of snow and wind surrounding the battlefield, then launches quick charges that overwhelm unprepared players. The trailer also highlights the exceptional graphic effects, including the snowstorms and mountain backdrop.

So far Pearl Abyss has released four gameplay trailers on the official Crimson Desert website. I have the feeling we've seen the last gameplay trailer until G-Star in November.

This year’s demo has been specially designed to highlight the intense action-combat mechanics of Crimson Desert. Players will have the opportunity to encounter four different boss battles, each requiring players to use their own combat style to overcome the challenges. For those who are eager to experience the exhilarating combat of Crimson Desert firsthand, visit our booth in Hall 6 of the Koelnmesse Exhibition Center’s Entertainment Area.

I found the trailer a bit "meh".  Under development since 2018 and announced in 2019, Crimson Desert uses an upgraded version Pearl Abyss' proprietary BlackSpace Engine, the same engine running Black Desert Online. Perhaps my biases are showing because I've never liked the graphics or gameplay in Black Desert Online the two times I've played the game for extended periods. With that disclaimer, I don't believe the game's graphics have aged well after 6 years of development. Perhaps the graphics will improve between now and the launch of the game.

But I am not the target audience for an action single-player video game. Perhaps single-player action RPG enjoyers will find the trailers more impressive than I did. The important question is what is the reception amongst investors? 

Pearl Abyss stock after Wednesday's trading

If the price of PA stock is any indication, not very good. The stock price fell 6.9% over the course of trading on Tuesday and another 2.3% on Wednesday. The stock rallied today, but as far as I know the only significant news concerning Pearl Abyss over those two days came out of Gamescom.

I have the feeling I am a bit more pessimistic than most of the gaming press. But I'm really an MMORPG player and only cover Crimson Desert due to its connection to Black Desert Online and EVE Online. I'll just ask the question many investors are asking now. When will the game release?