Crimson Desert backlash

Pearl Abyss said Crimson Desert sold more than two million copies worldwide within 24 hours of its March 19, 2026 launch. (gematsu.com) Alinea Analytics reported roughly 363,000 Steam pre-orders for Crimson Desert that generated about $20 million in gross revenue and a Steam wishlist count near 2.2 million as of March 16, 2026. (insider-gaming.com) Korean business press and international outlets say Pearl Abyss spent about 200 billion won (roughly $133 million) developing the game over seven years. (ign.com) Investors reacted sharply to early review reception: Pearl Abyss’s share price plunged nearly 30% after review scores surfaced. (gamespot.com) Players and multiple outlets have compiled and circulated dozens of screenshots showing oddly rendered in‑game paintings and decorations — examples flagged include malformed equine figures and distorted faces — prompting widespread scrutiny on social platforms. (gamespot.com, thegamer.com) Valve’s Steam disclosure rules require developers to declare generative‑AI content that is “consumed by players,” and several reporters note Crimson Desert’s store page currently lacks such a disclosure, raising questions about policy compliance. (pcgamer.com, ign.com) Early critic roundups show a split: some major outlets highlighted the game’s ambition and scale while also calling out uneven systems and narrative pacing in reviews published the week of launch. (eurogamer.net, ign.com) Pearl Abyss posted on social media thanking players for the launch milestone and saying it will “listen closely to the wide range of feedback” and “work to make improvements quickly.” (pcgamer.com)