At GDC 2025, Pearl Abyss presented insights into their new project, Crimson Desert, a single-player action-adventure game built on the advanced Black Desert engine. Players assume the role of Kliff, a mercenary embroiled in conflicts in the high fantasy world of Pywel. The engine’s capabilities allow for detailed environmental effects like believable interactions with fire, water, wind, and light, resulting in a visually stunning open-world experience. Observations like a horse accurately displaying wetness based on contact with water exemplify the game's commitment to realism and immersion.
I haven't seen anything like either before in any video game. As I watched protagonist Kliff ride through a stream while on horseback, Pearl Abyss showcased how only the parts of the horse that actually touched the water remained wet after leaving the stream.
The backbone of the Black Desert engine seems to be how quickly it can handle rendering Crimson Desert's seamless and remarkably detailed world, a medieval high fantasy continent called Pywel.
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