Michael Douse, Director of Publishing at Larian Studios, shared his perspective on the upcoming game Crimson Desert, labeling it a “cynical mix of borrowed mechanics,” while simultaneously admitting it was “fun to play.”
Previously, Crimson Desert Marketing Director Will Powers openly stated that their project draws inspiration from numerous other game titles, emphasizing that it would be “presumptuous to deny the influence of other games.” Douse partially agreed with this approach, though his assessment was considerably sharper.
He likened the game to music compilations, hinting at its eclectic, yet at times derivative, nature. Douse also speculated that such a development strategy, based on combining proven elements, would become increasingly common in both premium and free-to-play titles. In his view, this helps mitigate risks for studios.
Nevertheless, Douse pointed out that the concept of borrowing ideas is not unique; many major AAA open-world games also rely on existing formulas and their own past successes. He commended Crimson Desert for attempting to complicate, rather than simplify, the gameplay experience. Furthermore, Douse suggested that the project would benefit from evolving in the spirit of Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, as it possesses significant potential for future growth.