Introducing “Dark Shadows: The Unveiling of a Sinister Tale”

Dark And Darker Launches Today, Just Not On Steam

Ironmace’s Extraction Shooter Faces Legal Battle

The highly anticipated fantasy-themed extraction shooter, Dark and Darker, is set to release today. However, players won’t be able to find the game on Steam, as it has been pulled from the platform due to an ongoing legal dispute with Nexon, a Korean gaming giant.

Ironmace, the developer behind Dark and Darker, is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Nexon. The dispute revolves around allegations that Ironmace, which consists of former Nexon developers, stole code and assets from a canceled Nexon project to create Dark and Darker. Ironmace vehemently denies these claims, and legal proceedings are underway both in the United States and Korea.

Seeking Alternative Distribution

Unable to release the game on Steam until the legal issues are resolved, Ironmace has decided to take matters into their own hands. The developer has created their own launcher and is selling Dark and Darker directly through their official website and a Korean-based game-selling site called Chaf Games.

Unfortunately, as eager players rush to purchase the game, the surge in traffic has caused the official website to become temporarily broken. Similarly, the purchase button on the game’s page on Chaf Games is currently non-functional at the time of writing.

Details and Editions

According to YouTuber Onepeg, who has extensively covered Dark and Darker and the legal battle surrounding it, Ironmace CEO Terence Park has confirmed that the game will launch on August 7. The game will be available in two editions: the standard edition priced at $35 and the “Hold the Line” Founder’s Edition priced at $50. The Founder’s Edition includes an exclusive skeleton character skin, torch, and emote.

Regardless of where the game is purchased, players will be playing on the same servers and using the same launcher. Ironmace has also introduced a new progression mechanic, where players can earn a currency called Blue Shards through gameplay. These Blue Shards can be used to purchase cosmetics in the game. Additionally, players can choose to purchase Red Shards with real money, which can also be used to unlock cosmetics. Some cosmetics will only be earned through Blue Shards, while others will only be available for purchase with Red Shards.

The Success of Dark and Darker

Dark and Darker gained significant attention and a large following through multiple playtests on Steam over the past year. During Steam Next Fest, the game reached over 110,000 concurrent players, making it one of the most played games on the platform. Despite its removal from Steam, Ironmace continued to deliver the game to players through torrent during the most recent playtest in April.

Editorial and Advice

The ongoing legal battle between Ironmace and Nexon raises important questions about intellectual property, code theft, and the impact on indie game developers. While the specific details of the case remain in dispute, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by developers in an increasingly competitive and litigious industry.

For aspiring indie developers, this case highlights the importance of ensuring that all code and assets used in game development are properly licensed or original. Upholding ethical practices not only protects developers from legal troubles but also fosters a healthier and more innovative gaming ecosystem.

As for players eagerly awaiting Dark and Darker, the launch on its own website and alternative platforms may present minor inconveniences. However, it is crucial to remember that the game itself should not be judged or dismissed based solely on the legal dispute surrounding it. Instead, players can examine the merits of the game independently, considering factors such as gameplay, graphics, and developer communication.

Keeping a close eye on the legal proceedings and court judgments will provide valuable insights into the outcome of the case and potentially shed light on the use of intellectual property in game development. Additionally, supporting independent developers who face legal challenges can help ensure a fair and equitable industry landscape.

Dark and Darker, despite its turbulent journey to release, remains an intriguing game for fans of the fantasy shooter genre. It is ultimately up to players to decide whether they want to support the developer by purchasing the game through the official website or Chaf Games, while remaining mindful of the legal situation at hand.

Additionally, players should stay informed about updates from both Ironmace and Nexon, as the resolution of the legal battle could have implications beyond the immediate release of Dark and Darker.