SIDEQUEST: Is Crimson Desert really deserving of Game of the Year?

May 28, 2026 - 17:59

When Crimson Desert launched in March, it created a strange split in the gaming world. Players flooded forums with praise, calling it an instant classic and an early frontrunner for Game of the Year. Critics, however, were more reserved. The game currently sits with a middling score on review aggregators, a far cry from the universal acclaim typically needed for the industry's top prize.

To understand if the hype is real, it helps to look at past winners. Games like Elden Ring, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and The Witcher 3 didn't just have strong fan support. They also dominated critic consensus. They set new standards for their genres. Crimson Desert certainly delivers on spectacle. Its open world is massive and detailed. The combat is fluid and brutal, borrowing heavily from the studio's work on the Black Desert Online franchise. The story, a dark fantasy about mercenaries and lost kings, has its moments.

But the gap between fan and critic scores is hard to ignore. Some reviewers point to a bloated map filled with repetitive activities. Others note that the narrative loses steam in the second half. The technical performance on base consoles has also drawn complaints.

Can a game win Game of the Year without being a critical darling? It is rare. Fan passion can carry a game far, but the awards are usually decided by juries of journalists and developers. For Crimson Desert to truly contend, it needs to maintain its player base and hope the upcoming post-launch content addresses the core complaints. Right now, it is a strong contender, but the crown is far from guaranteed.