Black Desert Online dev partners with Bravely Default maker for graphical tech research

Black Desert Online is no slouch when it comes to graphical prowess, but Developer Pearl Abyss has just signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Silicon Studio, the developers known for their work on Bravely Default, 3D Dot Game Heroes, and Muramasa for "bilateral technical cooperation." The two companies' main objective will be to engage in graphics technology research and game engine development, with the idea that Pearl Abyss' on-going MMO Black Desert Online will benefit from the findings.

Pearl Abyss CEO Kyoungin Jung said:

"Black Desert Online already boasts outstanding graphics, but with the cooperation of Silicon Studio, we will be able to elevate the game’s visuals to an even greater degree of fidelity."

Silicon Studio may be best known for their game development, but what many might not realize is that they are very prominent when it comes to developing middleware and game engine solutions for PC and mobile games. One of their technologies, YEBIS, was used in Sony's blockbuster exclusive, Bloodborne as well as Dark Souls III, and is widely known for being the best post-processing software on the market for optical effects.

Silicon Studio's Lead Software Engineer, Masaki Kawase said:

"Pearl Abyss is a very competent company. With their help, we will be able to bring out the full potential of YEBIS and foster a new generation of technology development."

Black Desert Online meanwhile, has been busy releasing new content for the game, most recently the Valkyrie class' Awakening and before that, The Sorceress.