Crimson Desert’s No-Show at Summer Game Fest 2025: What Happened?

If you were glued to the Summer Game Fest 2025 livestream hoping for a big Crimson Desert reveal, you weren’t alone. Pearl Abyss, the developers behind this highly anticipated open-world RPG, were officially listed as SGF partners, and industry insiders widely expected a new gameplay showcase or even a release date announcement. But when the show wrapped, Crimson Desert was nowhere to be seen—and fans were left scratching their heads.

Why Was Crimson Desert Expected?

• Official Partnership: Pearl Abyss was confirmed as a partner for SGF 2025, and multiple outlets, including Korean business news and gaming media, reported that Crimson Desert would be part of the event’s lineup.
• Industry Buzz: Leading up to SGF, predictions and coverage from major sites and YouTube channels hyped up Crimson Desert as a likely show-stealer, with many expecting a new demo or trailer.
• Recent Showcases: The game had been making the rounds at other events and behind-the-scenes previews, fueling expectations of a public reveal at SGF.

What Actually Happened?

Despite all the anticipation and official partnership status, Crimson Desert did not appear during the main SGF 2025 presentations or in the Play Days follow-up event. There was no new trailer, no gameplay demo, and no release date announcement during the show.

Is There an Official Explanation?

As of now, neither Pearl Abyss nor Summer Game Fest organizers have provided a public statement explaining Crimson Desert’s absence. The most likely reasons, based on industry patterns, include:

• Last-Minute Changes: It’s possible that development timelines shifted or the demo wasn’t ready for public viewing, prompting Pearl Abyss to pull out at the last minute.
• Strategic Marketing: Pearl Abyss may be saving their next major reveal for another event, such as Gamescom or a dedicated showcase, to maximize impact and avoid getting lost in the SGF crowd.
• Ongoing Development: With the game still targeting a late 2025 release, the team might be prioritizing polish and internal milestones over public demos.

Community Reaction

Fans and media alike expressed disappointment and confusion on social platforms and forums, with many noting the missed opportunity given the game’s hype and the event’s global stage. However, most reactions have been understanding, recognizing that development delays and strategic decisions are common in the industry.

What’s Next for Crimson Desert?

• Release Window: The game is still slated for late 2025, with leaks suggesting a possible November 30 launch, but this remains unofficial.
• Future Showcases: Expect Pearl Abyss to resurface with new footage or a demo at another major gaming event later this year.

Crimson Desert was expected to make a splash at SGF 2025 but was a no-show, with no official reason given. The wait continues, but anticipation remains high for the next update from Pearl Abyss.

Check out my previous Blog Post: Summer Game Fest 2025: The Most Exciting Game Reveals and Updates – Board Activity