As reported by Massively Overpowered (opens in new tab), South Korean developer Pearl Abyss has announced that following the trampling and death of 154 people at a Halloween rally in Seoul, the Black Desert Online's in-game Halloween event to end early.

According to CNN (opens in new tab), the Itaewon district of Seoul was the site of festivities on October 29, the first Halloween event since the end of South Korea's massive Covid 19 restrictions. According to eyewitness accounts, the streets were as crowded as a packed subway train, and South Korean authorities are still investigating the cause of the trampling death. In the wake of this tragedy, South Korea is in a week of mourning.

Like many live-service games, "Black Desert Online" hosts an annual in-game Halloween event where players can participate in seasonal activities and earn special items. 2022's event was originally scheduled to run from October 26 to November 9 It was scheduled to take place. The event will end a week early, with BDO's weekly reset this Tuesday, November 2.

"It is with great regret that we inform you that we will be ending our ongoing Halloween-related events and promotions at the scheduled maintenance on Wednesday, November 2. Please understand that more details will be announced in the maintenance notice (opens in a new tab)."

Lost Ark, another Korean-developed MMO, appears to be continuing its Mystics and Mayhem event, which seems to be generally fall and harvest-themed rather than specifically Halloween-related, perhaps explaining its continuation.

During the period of mourning, non-emergency public events are postponed, public buildings are flown at half-staff, and public officials wear ribbons commemorating the tragedy. The national morning will last until November 5.