As the PlayStation 5 solidifies its position as the main platform for PlayStation gamers, the PS4 is starting to see less attention from developers. One popular MMORPG, in particular, is planning to end its support for the older console but is offering an easy pathway for players to transition to the current-generation version without any additional cost.
Pearl Abyss recently announced their decision to discontinue Black Desert Online on the PS4 and Xbox One. Gamers still have a few months to enjoy their adventures on these platforms before the game fully migrates to the newer systems. Come June 26, during the usual maintenance period, the servers for the PS4 and Xbox One versions will close. Those eager to continue their journey on next-gen consoles can do so at no extra charge, and all account details and in-game purchases will seamlessly carry over.
Brian Choi, the Live Service Manager for Black Desert Console, reassures players that their game data will be kept safe through this transition. “Your account details and rights to Black Desert will be ready for you on the PS5 or Xbox Series when you’re set to make the switch,” Choi stated. He acknowledged that some players might find this news disappointing but highlighted the continuous updates aimed at enhancing the game experience.
Choi further explained that despite efforts to keep content up-to-date for older systems, the limitations of previous-generation hardware have made it increasingly challenging to deliver fresh content effectively. After weighing the options, the developers decided to shift their focus to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series versions to ensure better performance and stability for the game.
When it first arrived in the U.S. back in 2016, Black Desert Online received a variety of reactions. It scored an average of 73 from 35 critic reviews on Metacritic. The game made its way to PS4 and Xbox One three years later, in 2019, providing console players with its engaging world and gameplay.