The Future of Black Desert Online: Everything from Heidel Ball 2024

It's been a while since I last wrote about Black Desert Online, and it's been even longer since I reviewed it in 2016. I have played it since then, but something always gets in the way, such as eating, sleeping, and bathing. However, I recently attended Heidel Ball 2024 as a guest of Pearl Abyss in Beynac-et-Cazenac, the inspiration of Heidel itself, and learned about what's coming. They're not slowing down.

With good reason, when you look at the facts. Way back in 2020, the announcement of Crimson Desert saw a 400% increase in share price. One could argue causation vs correlation, but investors haven't been as bullish since then. However, with the proposed release of Crimson Desert next year, a recent uptick in revenue for Black Desert Online, and the hopes that these will work together to drive renewed interest, you can understand why they're pushing hard.

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The entire Heidel Ball stream can be viewed below, but I'll summarize it for those who want the high notes. Let's start with the technical first.

A PlayStation 5 Version of Black Desert Online is Coming

Let's not beat around the bush about Black Desert Online's inability to take advantage of the PS5 fully. Following the Calpheon Ball last winter, a version coming wasn't a secret, but Pearl Abyss revealed some more concrete information.

No concrete date has been given as to its launch, but what was said is that it will feature improved graphics, ranging from enhanced effects and textures to an increased draw distance, a better frame rate, improved loading times, and more. There will be a test before the end of this year.

Hardcore Servers - for the PVP Lovers

One would honestly think PVP should appeal to me. I like skill-based games, and I hate all of you humans. Every single one of you. Especially you. Still, I'm not a fan of player-vs-player combat, not in an MMORPG anyway. I'm very much a play-a-story and