Pearl Abyss, the Korean gaming giant, announced a significant achievement for Black Desert Online on its eight-year anniversary for PC, boasting over 55 million registered players worldwide and generating an impressive 3 trillion Korean won (approximately US$ 2.2 billion) in revenue since its initial launch in Korea in 2014.
To mark the occasion, Pearl Abyss is also celebrating Black Desert Console’s fifth anniversary and four years of cross-platform play between Xbox and PlayStation. Highlighting the festivities is the introduction of the new ‘Scholar’ class to console players on Wednesday, March 6, promising to add fresh dynamics to the game’s rich world.
2023 was a banner year for Black Desert, earning accolades such as the Dari Award for Business of the Year and launching the acclaimed Land of the Morning Light expansion. This success, coupled with over six international community events, underscores Pearl Abyss’s commitment to engaging and expanding its player base.
Jaehee Kim, Executive Producer of Black Desert, expressed excitement about the future, focusing on making the game more accessible and engaging. “This eight-year anniversary signals our progress towards that goal, and we’ll continue to achieve even more. Happy birthday, Adventurers!” said Kim.
A slew of in-game events, contests, and significant discounts are planned throughout March to engage the game’s vibrant community. These include log-in rewards, artistic contests, and community challenges across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, accompanied by generous sales, offering the game at steep discounts.
Notably, the PC community is set to experience eight major events, and an “Anniversary” and “War of the Roses” livestream will cover a variety of topics and interactive sessions with fans. Console gamers aren’t left behind, with their own set of events, contests, and special sales to enjoy.
In addition to celebrating past achievements, Pearl Abyss shared insights into player behaviors and trends from 2023, revealing the most popular classes, the deadliest bosses, and impressive engagement statistics like the total number of quests completed and market transactions.
The upcoming ‘Scholar’ class, described as an alchemist with mastery over gravity, promises to introduce new combat dynamics and strategies for players on consoles. This update is a result of feedback from the PC community, promising improved mobility, combat speed, and more tactical options for players.
Furthermore, Pearl Abyss is hosting a community fiesta in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 2, inviting fans to celebrate the game’s anniversary with the team, participate in a cosplay contest, and enjoy live music and activities.
New merchandise commemorating the eight-year anniversary is also available for pre-purchase, including plush toys, hooded blankets, and embroidered hoodies, showcasing the game’s enduring popularity and the community’s passion for the Black Desert universe.