There is a gap between media and player scores for Crimson Desert. Lybee Park, head of Pearl Abyss's European division, recently discussed this phenomenon, suggesting that review builds, time limits, and gameplay paths might influence evaluations. On Metacritic, the game holds a media average score of 77, while the user score stands at 8.7.
In an interview with The Game Business, Park stated that the build provided to media reviewers differed from the final release version. Reviewers also faced time constraints and tended to focus more on the main storyline during their playthroughs. She believes that the game's unique elements are scattered across its vast world, hidden details, and opportunities for free exploration, which reviewers may not have had sufficient chance to experience. She also acknowledged that both media and player evaluations have their merits.
The game has undergone multiple updates since its launch, with improved versions even adjusting the central story. As a result, players who experienced Crimson Desert at different times may have encountered different gameplay experiences.
However, foreign media outlet GamesRadar did not fully agree with Park's explanation for the discrepancy in scores, arguing that reviewers do explore open worlds and that reviews can only be based on the version actually available at the time.
On Steam, Crimson Desert has an overall positive rating of 83%, with a recent positive rating of 77%. These figures reflect a different scope of evaluation compared to Metacritic scores.