A colorful trailer, improbable creatures and a city that seems straight out of a sandbox game. Since its announcement, DokeV has intrigued as much as it has baffled. Developed by Pearl Abyss, the studio behind Crimson Desert, this project contrasts radically with previous productions.
Presented for the first time in 2019, DokeV quickly stood out thanks to its hybrid universe. Halfway between Pokémon and Grand Theft Auto V, the game offers an open-world experience where players collect creatures called Dokebi, while evolving in a dynamic urban environment.
DokeV, a game between Pokémon and GTA that intrigues players
From the first images, the tone is set. The player plays a child exploring a bustling city, skateboard on his feet, surrounded by creatures with surprising designs. These Dokebi are not simple companions. They actively participate in various activities, ranging from clothing customization to spectacular confrontations.
The mix of genres is surprising. Where Pokémon focuses on adventure and capture, DokeV adds a social and urban dimension. The revealed sequences show car races, fights against giant machines and multiple interactions with the environment.
This atypical positioning explains why the game arouses so much curiosity. It’s unlike any other title currently available, while borrowing elements familiar to gamers.
A release still unclear for DokeV despite the first estimates
If the universe of the game begins to become clearer, its release date remains surrounded by uncertainties. Initially mentioned for 2023, the project has since disappeared from the radar for several years.
The latest information dates back to 2024, with an important indication given by the developers. DokeV is expected to be released approximately 18 months after Crimson Desert, which launched on March 19, 2026.
Following this schedule, the release could be around the end of 2027. A conservative estimate, because no new trailer or official announcement has come to confirm this schedule since.
This prolonged silence fuels questions. Some see it as a sign of complex development, others a desire to refine the experience before fully revealing it.
Pearl Abyss completely changes direction with DokeV
With DokeV, Pearl Abyss seems to want to explore a totally different register. After the success of Black Desert Online in 2014 and the realistic approach of Crimson Desert, the studio here adopts a much lighter and more accessible tone.
The Dokebi creatures perfectly illustrate this change. Inspired by Korean folklore, they display deliberately exaggerated and colorful designs. Marine husky, boxing panda or even half-armadillo, half-pineapple creature, each character has a marked identity.
This artistic choice could allow the game to reach a wider audience. By focusing on a fun and offbeat universe, DokeV stands out from the darker productions on the market.
DokeV faces high expectations despite long silence
The prolonged absence of communication has not dampened interest in the game. On the contrary, each new information revives the players’ attention. The recent success of Crimson Desert, whose ratings increased from 7.7 to 8.6 in one week, further strengthens the studio’s credibility. This progress can be explained in particular by the improvement in handling and the visual qualities praised by players. In this context, DokeV benefits from growing expectations. The challenge for Pearl Abyss will be to transform this curiosity into real excitement at the time of its release.