Sony’s PS5 exclusivity deal was rejected for the upcoming game

A Korean developer has reportedly turned down Sony’s offer to make its next game a timed PS5 console exclusive. According to a financial blogger who attended the Kiwoom Securities Corporate Day, developer Pearl Abyss received a deal from Sony to make their action-adventure game. Crimson Desert a timed PS5 console exclusive, but declined.

Why Pearl Abyss Refused to Make Crimson Desert a Timed PS5 Exclusive

Discussing his finances at the aforementioned investor relations event (via ResetEra), Pearl Abyss revealed that Sony offered him a contract that would have kept Crimson Desert off Xbox platforms for a “certain period of time” .

The studio declined the offer because it determined it would make higher profits by self-publishing and releasing Crimson Desert on as many platforms as possible. Interestingly, Pearl Abyss told stakeholders that Sony compared aspects of Crimson Desert to its hit game, Ghost of Tsushima.

Pearl Abyss probably took some notes from fellow Korean developer Shift Up, who has mentioned on numerous occasions that despite its success, Stellar Blade would have sold a lot more had it not been restricted by an exclusivity deal.

It’s worth mentioning, however, that Stellar Blade didn’t benefit from a simultaneous PC release. The game was released solely on the PS5 because Sony helped with the financing and development of the game.