Let’s first take a trip back in time to Gamescom Opening Night Live in 2021.
A showcase full of incredible looking games including the likes of Elden Ring, Horizon Forbidden West and Halo Infinite to name a few. Amongst the games came new and improved hardware and services being revealed alongside the many game announcements.
There were many standout moments from this showcase for me and many others, however there was one game that truly stuck with me. Still, even in 2026, I’m looking forward to eventually releasing. However, since this game’s biggest reveal to date, things have been somewhat quiet.
Let me introduce you to DokeV.
A Quick Introduction to DokeV
DokeV has been created and is currently (to our knowledge) be developed by Pearl Abyss. This is the same people behind the upcoming game Crimson Desert. Initially revealed back in 2019 during a Pearl Abyss Connect after previously being known as Project V, until it’s 2021 worldwide reveal.
DokeV is a game which combines features of open-world gameplay, much loved action-adventure features and, creature-collecting all into one. It sounds like a dream game for many people. Players can collect Dokebi, the various creatures that are found throughout the world. The whimsical and adorable characters seem to play many roles within the game and are inspired by both Korean mythology and folklore. You can also take part in various adventures with Dokebi’s and also gain strength from peoples dreams to help you on your way.
Before we go any further, let’s have a look at the trailer that revealed some of the DokeV gameplay from Gamescom Opening Night Live from 2021.
Although DokeV was originally believed to be a MMO, it has since been rethought to be a single player open world experience with potential optional multiplayer features. The game was also planned to release on Xbox and PlayStation consoles as well as PC using the Pearl Abyss BlackSpace engine.
You can’t deny that not only those the game look visually and aesthetically amazing, it’s bright, colourful and just packed full of fun things you can do in game. Not to mention it has its own dedicated theme song created by Galaktika. How else would you want to explore this South Korean inspired world that also takes inspiration from Korean mythology and folklore?
When is DokeV Launching?
Well, this is the thing. There currently is no confirmed release date, nor has there been any real updates about the game since it’s Gamescom Opening Night Live premiere. Things have been somewhat quiet on the progress front for some time now.
It’s been led to believed that work was paused on DokeV with many of the team being redirected so that focus could be redirected to the upcoming Crimson Desert release. This game is actually releasing in March 2026. This could potentially mean that not long after Crimson Desert’s launch we could begin to see some new DokeV news!
Most of the information we know about DokeV as of late has been due to Pearl Abyss Investor Calls. At least mentioned in passing. Other than that, it has been radio silence.
Is 2026 the Year DokeV Returns?
I think it’s possibly that we will begin to see some kind of news and regular communication from Pearl Abyss about DokeV. Although things have been incredibly quiet on the communication front, there are still many people eagerly waiting for new details on the game. The last being a brief mention in a Pearl Abyss Investor Call in 2024 saying the game is still in development.
If you were to look at the DokeV official website, it does state that the game is in development and is still very much being showcased on the Pearl Abyss site. I guess you could say that is a positive to the game’s situation as a whole.
If we are to think about when the game could release if we get some kind of update this year, I would have to say mid to late 2027 at the earliest. Although I could be wrong and it could go either way. I’m just hopeful the game will release when it is ready to do so.
DokeV has a lot of potential as well as having a number of things that make it unique compared to other similar games. The main concern at this point in time would be other creature capturing games. We’ve had Palworld release, and we have Aniimo on the horizon as well. Just to name a couple. Does DokeV still have what it takes to stand out from those similar if and when it releases? Personally, I think it does.
It’s Gonna Be Special
While more common now than back in 2021, as mentioned earlier in this post, DokeV came with its own single soundtrack. ROCKSTAR by GALACTIKA (yes, the same producer/creator of the Aniimo soundtrack) is catchy, and does get stuck in your head in a good way. Plus, the actual music video is really cute and another great way to show off the DokeV world!
As a quick side note: Did you know that Luena, who provides the vocals for ROCKSTAR is rumoured to be ITZY’s Yuna? Even now, it’s still rumoured that it is the ITZY maknae!
DokeV has the potential to be a hugely popular game, even after it’s initial reception back in 2021. It has a lot of potential and all we need is even the slightest trailer to confirm that this bright, colourful and exciting world still awaits players in the future! Who doesn’t want to explore the world of DokeV, meet and learn more about Dokebi and get lost in the game’s unique charm?
Let me know what you think of DokeV below in the comments. For now, I’ll be practising my dance moves ready for some DokeV dance challenges in the future!
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