Crimson Desert: No Xbox Gameplay Shown Before Launch, Specs Revealed
Players anticipating the March 19th release of Pearl Abyss’ open-world action RPG, Crimson Desert, won’t be seeing gameplay footage of the Xbox Series X and S versions before launch. This lack of demonstration has raised concerns among some Xbox owners about potential performance issues, particularly given the game’s ambitious scope and the varying power of Microsoft’s consoles.
Pearl Abyss has showcased the game running on PC, and recently provided footage of the game on both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro – the latter via Digital Foundry’s technical analysis. Footage of the base PS5 version was also released this week on the PlayStation Japan YouTube channel. However, the Xbox versions, which support Microsoft’s Play Anywhere feature, remain undemonstrated, as are demonstrations on handheld PCs like the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, despite Pearl Abyss having confirmed specifications for those platforms.
Console Performance Specifications
When questioned by IGN about the absence of Xbox gameplay, Pearl Abyss directed inquiries to its published console specifications sheet. The company also stated that review codes for Xbox versions have been distributed where requested. These specifications detail performance, balanced, and quality modes for all consoles, with the exception of the Xbox Series S, which lacks a balanced mode.
The Xbox Series S, in performance mode, targets a 720p resolution at 40 frames per second with ray tracing disabled. Quality mode aims for 1080p resolution at 30fps, also without ray tracing. The more powerful Xbox Series X is expected to deliver improved performance across all modes, potentially reaching up to 60fps in performance mode. These targets, while providing a baseline expectation, are still based on stated goals rather than demonstrated performance.
Offline Play and Graphics Technologies
A recent FAQ released by Pearl Abyss clarifies that an internet connection is required for the initial setup and day-one patch to ensure players have the latest version of the game. However, once the installation is complete, Crimson Desert can be played offline.
Regarding advanced graphics technologies, Crimson Desert supports FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 3/4 and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) 4/4 on PC. PlayStation 5 Pro benefits from upgraded PlayStation Super Resolution (PSSR), while the base PS5 and both Xbox Series X and S utilize FSR 3. The PC version supports AMD FSR Ray Regeneration and Nvidia DLSS Ray Reconstruction. Frame generation technologies (FSR, DLSS, and MetalFX) are exclusive to PC and Mac, and Crimson Desert also supports MetalFX Upscaler, Frame Generation, and Denoiser on Mac.
A History of Console Launch Concerns
The decision not to showcase Xbox gameplay footage has understandably drawn comparisons to the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt Red faced significant criticism for withholding pre-release footage of the game running on base PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles, ultimately leading to a severely flawed and widely criticized console experience. The lack of transparency fueled concerns that Crimson Desert might face similar issues, though Pearl Abyss has been quick to dismiss such comparisons.
Will Powers, Pearl Abyss’ marketing chief, recently urged fans to “let us cook” and assured them that console footage would be revealed when the team was ready. He stated, “We’re not hiding anything, and I’m sick of having to repeat myself… Let us cook? Please and thank you,” according to reports from IGN. This statement, while intended to reassure players, hasn’t fully quelled the anxieties surrounding the Xbox versions.
What to Expect Next
The coming days will be crucial as players gain access to Crimson Desert on Xbox Series X and S. Initial player feedback and independent performance analyses will provide a clearer picture of how the game runs on Microsoft’s hardware. Pearl Abyss will likely monitor this feedback closely and may release patches or updates to address any performance issues that arise. Reviewers who have received Xbox codes will also publish their assessments, offering valuable insights into the game’s overall quality and optimization. The game’s success will depend not only on its core gameplay but also on its ability to deliver a stable and enjoyable experience across all supported platforms.
For those interested in further reading, IGN’s final hands-on preview and an interview with Will Powers offer additional perspectives on the game’s development and launch strategy.