Developer Pearl Abyss has confirmed their MMORPG Black Desert Online is going to be playable in English some time later this year.

The news comes via an interview with the western community manager at Pearl Abyss, Oli, as the developer is translating and releasing the game here in the west under publisher Daum.

While the developer has gotten a European server, the current focus is on localizing the playable internal build of the game, while also getting their teaser website ready. Oli also pointed out that fans will be able to play this early build, and help point out translation errors. “We want to avoid at all cost the bad impression left by other Korean game companies that bring their games to the west with quality standards that don’t match the expectations of US/EU players,” said Oli.

As to when you can expect the alpha and beta tests for Black Desert Online in English, Oli let out a small tease. “Note that prior to the Alpha, there will be an early test version of the game but I need to ask players to be a bit more patient about the specifics of when the Alpha or Beta will start this year,” he said.

The game will be the same between the North American and European versions, while the American version might be delayed. As for the Korean original to the localized version, Oli said “we are giving a particular attention to the feedback from the US/EU players who played the Korean version so we constantly keep their expectations in mind regarding every BDO US/EU topics.”

We’ll keep you guys posted.