Crimson Desert launched March 19 to mixed Steam reviews but a generally favorable Metacritic user score, with criticism aimed at clunky controls and an uneven story while its expansive open world earns praise. Pocketpair publishing chief John "Bucky" Buckley said he spent seven hours "goofing around" and skipping the main narrative, calling it his "dream game," as Pearl Abyss maintains the controls improve once players acclimate.