Pearl Abyss Reassigns Crimson Desert Devs to DokeV, Targets 2028 Release

Pearl Abyss appears to be shifting part of the team that previously worked on Crimson Desert over to DokeV, a long-running open-world project that players have barely seen since its early reveals. The company is targeting a release window in the second half of 2028, while also signaling that the project has entered a more active development phase.

Background: a team reshuffle after Crimson Desert wraps

The reported change centers on using resources from Crimson Desert to accelerate DokeV. With Crimson Desert described as already finished, Pearl Abyss can redirect developers to its next major release.

DokeV has been in development for years. It was first presented in 2019, and while a 2021 trailer generated renewed interest, subsequent updates have been limited—leaving a large gap between early footage and what players know today.

What’s DokeV aiming to be?

DokeV is positioned as an open-world game built around collecting creatures called Dokebi. While the concept may sound familiar to players who associate monster-collection with the open world, the pitch is broader, emphasizing real-time action and a wide range of activities.

• Real-time combat where the character participates directly in fights
• Movement through the world using vehicles, skateboards, and other means of travel
• Exploration and side activities, including fishing
• Encounters with large enemies as part of the game’s combat loop

So far, the game’s setting is described as colorful and expansive, with areas such as cities, beaches, and mountains designed for free exploration. Given how long the project has been in motion, players may also expect changes to mechanics or activities compared to earlier previews.

What Pearl Abyss says is changing now

Pearl Abyss indicates that DokeV has progressed far enough that the team is moving into a phase focused on expanding content and refining gameplay systems. The company also plans to begin sharing additional demonstrations and more information during the second half of 2027.

1. Development is redirected: Pearl Abyss is moving developers previously working on Crimson Desert to support DokeV.
2. Increased momentum: the company says the project has advanced to a stage where content expansion and mechanics polishing are underway.
3. More visibility planned: additional demonstrations and information are expected in the second half of 2027.
4. Target window: a release is still expected for the second half of 2028, though delays remain possible.

Reaction: why this matters for players

After years of limited updates, the reported shift suggests DokeV is again a priority for Pearl Abyss. If the added manpower translates into faster iteration, players could see more concrete progress—potentially including further presentations and a clearer idea of how the final game will play.