Popular Multiplayer Game on PS4 Ends Service, Free PS5 Upgrade Available

With the PlayStation 5 firmly establishing itself as the go-to console for gamers, support for its predecessor, the PS4, is gradually winding down. This shift impacts several games, including a beloved MMORPG, which will soon phase out its PS4 version but offer players a free upgrade to the latest generation.

Pearl Abyss has decided to discontinue Black Desert Online for the PS4 and Xbox One, giving players a limited time to continue their adventures on these platforms. The game will officially close on these consoles during maintenance on June 26. The good news is that players can switch to the updated version without any cost, while all their account details and purchases will remain intact.

Brian Choi, who manages Black Desert’s live service, assures players that their data is safe during the transition to PS5 or Xbox Series. “You’ll have full access to your account and all your game entitlements when you decide to upgrade,” he explains. “We realize this might be frustrating for some, but we’re committed to enhancing the experience for our community.”

Choi acknowledges the challenges faced with older systems. “Despite our continuous efforts to improve performance and bring fresh content, these consoles have reached their limits,” he notes. “After much thought, we’ve concluded that focusing on PS5 and Xbox Series offers the best way forward to deliver better stability and enhancements.”

Since its U.S. debut in 2016, Black Desert Online has garnered a mix of feedback. According to Metacritic, the game scored an average of 73 from 35 critics. It made its console debut on the PS4 and Xbox One in 2019, adding a new chapter to its journey.