The saga of Dark and Darker began with allegations leveled against Ironmace, accusing the studio of creating the game with stolen code. This led to a dramatic turn of events, with Ironmace's office being searched and the company receiving a cease-and-desist letter and a DMCA takedown notice from Nexon, a fellow Korean games company. The legal battle that ensued cast a shadow over the future of Dark and Darker, resulting in its removal from Steam and leaving the game's fate hanging in the balance.
Undeterred by the challenges they faced, Ironmace took decisive action to defend their creation. The studio turned to innovative solutions, including leveraging ChatGPT, in a bid to prove their innocence and refute the copyright claims brought against them. After months of uncertainty, Dark and Darker made a triumphant return to the gaming scene last August, with Ironmace launching its own launcher, Blacksmith, to distribute the game.
January of this year brought a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga, as a court dismissed Nexon's request for an injunction against Dark and Darker. This victory provided a glimmer of hope for Ironmace and signaled a turning point in their battle to protect their intellectual property and uphold their integrity as developers.
Now, as Dark and Darker prepares to make its debut on the Epic Games Store, Ironmace is entering a new phase of its journey. In a statement shared on the game's Discord server, an Ironmace developer known as "Terence" expressed the team's increased confidence in the quality of their game and announced their plans to introduce it to a wider audience. This move is described as a significant preparatory step for Ironmace, underscoring their commitment to delivering a polished product to their dedicated fanbase.
While a release date for Dark and Darker on the Epic Games Store has yet to be announced, eager fans can add the game to their wishlists in anticipation of its arrival. However, the question of when, or if, Dark and Darker will return to buy Darker Gold Steam remains unanswered. Despite this uncertainty, Ironmace reassures fans that they are actively collaborating with various partners to explore all available options and foster a vibrant and enduring community around the game.
In addition to its expansion onto the Epic Games Store, Dark and Darker is also set to conquer new territory in the realm of mobile gaming. Krafton, the publisher behind PUBG: Battlegrounds, has acquired the rights to bring the RPG to mobile devices. Praising Dark and Darker's potential and creativity, Krafton recognizes Ironmace's innovative approach and the captivating experience they have crafted.
As Dark and Darker embarks on this next chapter of its journey, one thing remains clear: Ironmace's unwavering dedication and resilience have propelled the game forward despite the challenges it has faced. With the support of their loyal fanbase and the promise of new adventures on the horizon, Dark and Darker is poised to leave an indelible mark on the gaming landscape for years to come.