Pearl Abyss Pays 1,035 Staff Bonuses After Crimson Desert Generates $200 Million in 2 Weeks
Updated
Updated · Mein-MMO · Aug 12
Pearl Abyss Pays 1,035 Staff Bonuses After Crimson Desert Generates $200 Million in 2 Weeks
1 articles · Updated · Mein-MMO · Aug 12
Summary
Pearl Abyss said success bonuses for all 1,035 employees drove its Q2 2026 personnel costs up 94% from the prior quarter after Crimson Desert's breakout launch.
Crimson Desert generated about $200 million in its first two weeks, according to the report, and has logged more than 100,000 Steam reviews with a "very positive" rating.
The strong debut is already shaping Pearl Abyss's plans, with the studio considering full sequels, multiplayer expansions and additional DLC tied to the franchise.
The payout stands out in a games industry still marked by layoffs, studio cuts and canceled projects across major publishers including Xbox, Blizzard and EA.