Popular Multiplayer Game Ends on PS4, Provides Free PS5 Upgrade

As the PlayStation 5 firmly takes its place as the go-to console for PlayStation enthusiasts, the era of the PS4 is gradually drawing to a close. This transition has significant implications, especially for a favorite MMORPG that’s preparing to phase out its earlier generation support. However, there’s a silver lining for players, as they can seamlessly switch to the newer version without spending a dime.

Pearl Abyss, the developer behind Black Desert Online, has made the call to retire the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game. Fans still have a few months left to dive into this immersive world on their current consoles before it permanently moves to the latest ones. The official shutdown is set for June 26, during the regular maintenance period. Luckily, upgrading to the new version comes at no cost, and all player progress and purchases will be safely carried over.

Brian Choi, Black Desert Console’s Live Service Manager, reassures players about this changeover. “Don’t worry,” he says, emphasizing that game data will remain intact. “Your account info and all your game entitlements will be ready and waiting for you when you switch to the PS5 or Xbox Series version,” he adds. Acknowledging that some players might find this news disheartening, Choi underscores the continuing updates aimed at enhancing players’ adventures.

He explains further, referencing a previous video update, “Despite our best efforts to keep things fresh and optimized on older consoles, we’ve hit a point where the hardware just can’t keep up with the latest content without compromise.” Thus, after much thought, the decision was made to direct resources towards enhancing the game experience on the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles, promising a smoother, more reliable service.

Reflecting on its launch in 2016, Black Desert Online sparked a range of reactions, with Metacritic recording an average score of 73 from 35 critics. It wasn’t until 2019 that the game found its way onto the PS4 and Xbox One, where it continued to captivate a diverse audience.