The developer of the fantasy extraction game, Dark and Darker, Ironmace, has encountered legal issues with publisher Nexon that resulted in the game’s removal from Steam. Despite the ongoing dispute, Ironmace remains committed to their fans and has released the Alpha #5 Playtest via a torrent link. This release is coming soon after a confusing attempt to solicit donations for their legal battle.
Ironmace has been working diligently to resolve their current predicament, which involves complexities due to international legal matters. In an effort to uphold their promise to fans, the developer has opted for an old-school approach by providing the Alpha #5 Playtest through a torrent link. Participants can download the game client using the provided link (which is found on the official Discord server or in the tweet featured below), and Ironmace strongly advises against using any other sources to ensure the integrity of the download.
A hash was also added:
If you’re confused by the login screen, they just announced the following:
The login screen for this playtest was made as a temporary measure and may be confusing. The first time you log into the game, please enter in an ID and password to create your account. You will need to remember that id and password to access that account in the future. Sorry for the confusion.
Unfortunately, the playtest is not available in the Korea region due to compliance with Korean game rating regulations. Localizations have also been removed from the game, as they could not be completed in time for the playtest. Ironmace has apologized to fans for the inconvenience and aims to include all regions in the future.
News about the playtest will be communicated exclusively through the official Discord channel and the official Ironmace Twitter account (@IromaceGames). Ironmace also emphasizes that any other Twitter accounts are not affiliated with the company.
Previously, Nexon had issued a cease and desist order as well as a DMCA claim against Dark and Darker, resulting in the removal of the game from Steam’s Store. The ongoing legal dispute between Nexon and Ironmace stems from allegations that Ironmace employees, who formerly worked on a project called P3 at Nexon, used stolen assets and code to develop Dark and Darker.
In a statement posted on the Dark and Darker Discord server, an Ironmace representative explained that they are currently working with their legal team to address the claims made by Nexon. They have asked for fans’ understanding as they navigate the sensitive legal situation and strive to make the game available again as quickly as possible.
Comments