Crimson Desert's Game of the Year chances fall after mixed launch reviews

At midnight on Wednesday Crimson Desert sat second only to Grand Theft Auto 6 on Kalshi’s prediction market for Game of the Year, hitting a 25% chance while Resident Evil Requiem trailed at 12% and GTA dipped below 40%. When the review embargo lifted that evening, the game posted a 78 Metacritic score and ranked 38th for the year-to-date; its odds on Kalshi fell just as sharply as Pearl Abyss’ share price.

For months the title had been billed as the next big open-world blockbuster: the largest world, the most features, top-tier graphics and simulation. That it came from a Korean studio known for MMOs only added to the narrative, amplified by influencers and eager players in what became a feedback loop of hype and expectation.

Realistically, a Game of the Year win looks out of reach unless a new Technical Achievement category appears. Nomination is also unlikely.

South Korea

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