MMO Closing on PS4, Free PS5 Upgrade Available

With the PlayStation 5 now taking center stage for gamers, players might notice older consoles, like the PS4, gradually falling out of the spotlight. A notable MMORPG is making this shift by halting support for its older version but offering a complimentary upgrade to those ready to step into the new generation.

Black Desert Online’s Transition to Newer Consoles

Pearl Abyss recently announced that Black Desert Online will bid farewell to its PS4 and Xbox One versions. Fans have a few more months to enjoy these versions before the game’s developers focus entirely on the latest consoles. The official shutdown for these older versions is set during planned maintenance on June 26. Players can switch to the revamped version at no additional cost, carrying over their account details and purchases seamlessly.

Brian Choi, who manages Black Desert’s Console Live Service, reassures players about a smooth transition: "All your game data will be secure. Your account details and everything you’ve acquired in Black Desert are ready for you when you make the move to the PS5 or Xbox Series." Acknowledging potential disappointment, he highlighted the game’s evolution, aimed at enhancing the experience for its dedicated players.

"Despite our best efforts to optimize the older consoles, we face hardware limitations that hinder the smooth deployment of new content," Choi explains. "After considering all options, we’ve decided to concentrate on PS5 and Xbox Series editions for a more reliable and enhanced gaming experience."

When it first launched in the U.S. back in 2016, Black Desert Online received a mixed bag of reactions. The review site Metacritic shows the game averaged a score of 73 based on 35 reviews. The PS4 and Xbox One welcomed it three years later in 2019, further expanding its player base.