Crimson Desert: A New Approach to Player Choices
Crimson Desert, the highly anticipated open-world action-adventure game from the creators of the popular MMO Black Desert, is making waves in the gaming community. Despite its expansive systems, intricate gear mechanics, and vast landscapes, the developers have made it clear that this title will not fall under the RPG label, a decision that has sparked considerable discussion since its announcement in 2019.
In a recent conversation on the Dropped Frames podcast, Will Powers, the director of marketing for the game, addressed the expectations surrounding Crimson Desert. He emphasized that while the game offers a plethora of choices, it diverges from traditional RPG frameworks, particularly in how players can engage with the game’s moral compass.
One intriguing aspect of Crimson Desert is its approach to player decisions, particularly those deemed “evil.” Engaging in illegal activities such as theft can lead to a decline in trust and attract the attention of law enforcement, resulting in bounties that complicate travel and may even lead to imprisonment. However, Powers noted that players can find rewards in these darker choices, stating, “You can make those [‘evil’] decisions and you can actually be rewarded for those playstyles… such as additional attack level based on your negative notoriety.” This opens up a unique strategy where players might intentionally increase their notoriety to gain an edge in combat against formidable foes.
Powers further elaborated on the nature of player choices, suggesting that the experience is less about a binary good or bad path and more about crafting a personalized playstyle for each moment in the game. “I think it’s less of something like a singular playthrough, like good, bad, or Han Solo. It’s like, ‘How do you want to craft your playstyle for that individual moment?’” he explained.
As Crimson Desert continues to develop, it promises to deliver a rich and expansive world that encourages players to explore various playstyles without the pressure of needing to replay the game multiple times. This innovative approach, rooted in the developers’ MMO background, positions Crimson Desert as a fresh entry in the action-adventure genre, inviting players to immerse themselves in its complex narrative and gameplay dynamics.
