“Dark and Darker,” a popular title by Ironmace, has faced another significant setback as it was delisted from the Epic Games Store. This development adds to the uncertainty surrounding the game’s availability, leaving players and fans concerned about future access. The removal comes amidst ongoing legal disputes, highlighting the challenges developers face in the competitive gaming market.
Similar to previous instances where “Dark and Darker” was removed from platforms like Steam, the delisting from Epic Games Store underscores the persistent legal challenges between Ironmace and Nexon. These repeated removals illustrate the profound impact that legal conflicts can have on a game’s distribution and player experience.
Why Did Epic Games Store Delist ‘Dark and Darker’?
“Epic Games has decided to delist Dark and Darker from the Epic Games Store. The decision appears to be based on claims made by opposing parties in an ongoing legal dispute. We are currently working to understand the exact reasoning behind this removal.
It seems that the removal process is not yet fully complete, as Dark and Darker is no longer listed, but Dark and Darker: Legendary Status is still available for purchase. Please be aware of this potential confusion.”
What Are the Allegations in the Legal Dispute?
Nexon alleges that Ironmace used “stolen” code and assets from a project it canceled in 2021 during the development of “Dark and Darker.” While a South Korean court determined that there was no copyright infringement, it ruled that Ironmace violated Nexon’s trade secrets, resulting in a nearly $6 million penalty.
“meaningful, as it addresses illegal infringement actions that disrupt fair market competition,”
Nexon stated, indicating intentions to pursue further legal actions in higher courts.
How Is Ironmace Responding to the Delisting?
Ironmace is exploring alternative distribution methods to keep “Dark and Darker” accessible to its player base. The developer mentioned on Discord they are “working on alternative solutions” should the game become unplayable on the Epic Games Store and plan to share more information as it becomes available.
The ongoing legal conflict continues to impact the distribution and accessibility of “Dark and Darker.” Players and stakeholders will need to monitor upcoming developments closely, as the outcomes of these disputes may determine the game’s future presence across various gaming platforms.
Ironmace’s proactive approach to addressing the delisting, combined with past experiences of platform removal, suggests a determined effort to maintain “Dark and Darker” in the market despite legal challenges. The situation underscores the significant effects that legal disputes can have on game availability and the importance for developers to navigate such conflicts carefully.
