Pearl Abyss, the Korean MMO market competitor, have announced they are about to acquire CCP Games, of EVE Online fame. Considering the nature of Pearl Abyss' policy in Black Desert Online, not many fans were thrilled with the acquisition.
Pearl Abyss' acquisition of CCP game will not be a complete integration per se, as CCP Games will continue to operate independently as a developer with studios in Rykjavik, London and Shanghai. They did state that the "company's extensive development and publishing expertise" will be integrated into Pearly Abyss operations "for all current and future projects".
Some fans are interpreting this as an attempt from Pearl Abyss to adapt to western market considering that pay to win is generally shunned there, as opposed to some Asian markets. Others are less enthusiastic and see the acquisition as the downfall of EVE Online.
For those who somehow didn't hear about EVE Online, it is a space based MMO game that is unique in the genre as it features hardcore loss and extensive social interaction that can result in tens of thousands of dollars, pounds, euro or whatever other currency real ife currency gained or lost for players.
Pearl Abyss CEO Robin Jung stated that they are looking to learn from CCP due to their 15-year long expertise in running an MMO while engaging and maintaining their player base, further hinting that Black Desert Online is indeed shedding players.
Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games stated they are thrilled to join a "fast-growing company with lots to offer in terms of technology, capability and vision", while Birgir Már Ragnarsson of Novator Partners stated that their 13-year long investments in CCP Games have been fruitful and they are "proud to hand [CCP Games] over to Pearl Abyss and wish them the best of luck in their future ventures".
CCP Games
Pearl Abyss indeed saw strong development since Black Desert Online's launch in Korea in 2014, but the game has been shunned by many players in western market due to its pay to win elements, while their complaints fell on deaf ears. It remains to be seen whether it will be Pearly Abyss that adjusts to western market, or EVE Online becomes a bona fide Korean MMO.
Several screenshots from EVE Online, MMO by CCP Games
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