Frustrating Exclusivity: Dark And Darker Unveiled, But Snubbed by Steam

Dark And Darker Launches Today, Just Not On Steam

Introduction

In a turn of events that has disappointed many gamers, Ironmace’s highly anticipated fantasy-themed extraction shooter, Dark and Darker, has been pulled from Steam due to an ongoing legal battle with Nexon, a Korean gaming giant. Despite this setback, the game is still releasing today but will only be available for purchase through alternative means.

Legal Dispute and Removal from Steam

The legal dispute between Ironmace and Nexon stems from allegations made by Nexon that Ironmace, which is composed of former Nexon developers, stole code and assets from a canceled Nexon project in order to create Dark and Darker. Ironmace vehemently denies these allegations, and as a result, legal proceedings are currently underway both in the United States and in Korea.

As a consequence of the ongoing legal battle, Dark and Darker cannot be released on Steam until the dispute is resolved. In response, Ironmace has made the decision to create its own launcher and sell the game directly. While this is a commendable alternative, it does pose potential challenges for players who are accustomed to the convenience and accessibility of Steam.

Alternative Purchase Options

Players interested in purchasing Dark and Darker will need to visit the official Dark and Darker website or a Korean-based game-selling site called Chaf Games. However, the surge in traffic due to the game’s release has caused the official website to become temporarily broken at the time of writing. Similarly, the purchase button on the Chaf Games listing for the game is currently non-functional.

Ironmace CEO Terence Park has provided official details regarding the game’s release to YouTuber Onepeg, who has been closely following the game’s development and legal battle. Two editions of Dark and Darker will be available for sale, namely 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 play on the same servers and use the same launcher. A new progression mechanic has been introduced, allowing players to earn a currency called Blue Shards through gameplay. These Blue Shards can be used to purchase cosmetics within the game. Additionally, players will receive five Blue Shards upon purchasing the game. However, players can also choose to purchase Red Shards with real money, which can also be used to unlock cosmetics.

The Successful Playtests on Steam

Despite its removal from Steam, Dark and Darker has generated significant interest and excitement among gamers. The game’s last playtest on Steam during the Steam Next Fest saw it rise to be one of the most played games on the platform, with over 110,000 concurrent players. This testifies to the game’s potential and the strong following it has garnered.

Conclusion

The current legal dispute between Ironmace and Nexon has resulted in the removal of Dark and Darker from Steam, disappointing many eager gamers. While Ironmace has found an alternative means of launching the game, it does present challenges for players and raises questions about the impact of legal battles on the gaming industry.

Ironmace’s decision to sell the game directly through their own launcher demonstrates their determination to bring Dark and Darker to players despite the setbacks. Nevertheless, the absence of Dark and Darker from Steam raises concerns about the fragmentation of the gaming community and the potential difficulties faced by players in accessing their favorite games.

As the legal proceedings continue, it is crucial that a resolution is reached promptly so that Dark and Darker can be made available to a wider audience through platforms like Steam. The gaming industry thrives on innovation, collaboration, and accessibility, and it is in everyone’s best interest to ensure that legal disputes do not hinder this progress.