Pearl Abyss reported a decline in revenue and profit in the 2nd quarter, with the impact of Crimson Desert's launch in March losing momentum. Operating revenue fell 41.4% quarter over quarter to 192.6 billion won (US$ 135.9 million), while operating profit fell 68.1% to 67.6 billion won (US$ 47.7 million).
Net profit also fell 58.3% to 70.9 billion won (US$ 50 million). The performance came in below the company's previous guidance, which attributed the result to the split of sales among Crimson Desert distribution channels, differences in regional pricing strategies, delays between the sale and revenue recognition of physical packages, and revenue deferrals due to refund guarantees.
Performance by region and platform
North America and Europe accounted for 75% of revenue, followed by Asia (16%) and Korea (9%). By platform, PC generated 61%, console 34% and mobile 5%. Console share remained high, with Crimson Desert representing about 70% of total revenue.
Crimson Desert sold 2.11 million copies in the quarter, generating 136.1 billion won (US$ 96 million). Digital sales accounted for 82% of units sold, and physical sales for 18%.
Upcoming releases and guidance
Pearl Abyss is developing additional content for the open-world RPG, with a release date to be announced in the 3rd quarter. The developer also advanced its expansion to new platforms, having reached a "playable milestone" on Nintendo Switch 2 and planning a release for the 1st half of 2027.
The Black Desert franchise generated 55 billion won (US$ 38.8 million), a slight decline, with operations focused on "content optimization instead of major expansions".
For the year, Pearl Abyss updated its guidance. Operating revenue is expected to be between 709.8 billion won (US$ 501 million) and 743.8 billion won (US$ 525 million), with operating profit projected between 315.5 billion won (US$ 222.7 million) and 345.2 billion won (US$ 243.6 million).
Two new titles, DokeV and Plan 8, are in development. DokeV is scheduled for release in the 2nd half of 2028. Pearl Abyss says it intends to maintain a "consistent two-to-three-year release cycle" for its games.
