With the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI this year, many are predicting it will be crowned Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2026. However, one industry veteran is suggesting a potential upset. Mike York, a former animator with experience on titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, believes another game could steal the present.
Could *Crimson Desert* Challenge for Top Honors?
York recently praised the details showcased in the latest gameplay footage of Crimson Desert. In a new video posted to his YouTube channel, he continued to highlight the accomplishments of Pearl Abyss and considered the game’s chances of winning the top prize at The Game Awards in December.
According to York, if Rockstar “drops the ball” and GTA VI fails to meet player expectations – which are exceptionally high – the title of Game of the Year could head to Crimson Desert. He further emphasized that if “GTA 6” isn’t released this year, the fantasy open-world title would likely secure the award, leaving the competition far behind. This potential outcome underscores the increasing sophistication and ambition of game development outside of established industry giants.
York also made comments that are sure to resonate with fans of Red Dead Redemption 2. The developer compared the scale and ambition of the project from Pearl Abyss to that of Red Dead Redemption 2. He also stated that Crimson Desert is aimed at players who enjoy games like the expansive cowboy prequel developed by Rockstar Games.
Gameplay and Moral Choices in *Crimson Desert*
Players familiar with RDR2 will remember the wanted poster system. Beyond this mechanic, the game also features an honor system – frequent criminal acts shift the character’s morality towards the negative.
Similar mechanics – a system of crimes and wanted levels – are expected to appear in Crimson Desert, as discussed in a podcast on the itmeJP YouTube channel. Marketing Director Will Powers explained the option to play as a villain (at 40:53).
While the narrative will present a heroic protagonist, players will have the opportunity to engage in immoral actions during gameplay. “Illegal actions can cause a loss of trust from NPCs, and also attract guards who will place a bounty on the protagonist,” Powers said. As a wanted fugitive, players will need to be cautious while traveling; if caught, they will pay a fine or be imprisoned. The game itself will not punish players for these actions, but will instead unlock new attack levels, useful in boss battles.
“You can make bad decisions and be rewarded for it… for example, with an extra level of attack, dependent on your negative fame,” said Will Powers, Marketing Director at Pearl Abyss.
Crimson Desert is scheduled to launch on March 19, 2026, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The title will include Polish language subtitles.
