Dark and Darker removed from EGS based on claims made in ongoing legal dispute with Nexon

Ironmace Games has faced another hurdle due to its legal dispute with South Korea publisher Nexon. As a result, Dark and Darker has been removed from the Epic Games Store.

Epic Games has decided to pull Dark and Darker from its store, Ironmace announced on the game’s Discord channel on March 6 (thanks, ChosunBiz). The studio added that the removal could be “based on claims made by opposing parties in an ongoing legal dispute,” likely referring to publisher Nexon.

The base version of Dark and Darker can no longer be downloaded on the Epic Games Store. However, the paid Legendary Status edition, which provides users with access to bonus features, additional character slots, and high roller dungeons, is still available for purchase.

Error message that appears when opening the Dark and Darker page on the EGS (left) / the game’s Legendary Status edition, which is still available on the store at the time of writing (right)

Ironmace noted that it currently tyring to understand the exact reasoning behind this removal.  “In preparation for the possibility that Dark and Darker may no longer be playable on [the Epic Games Store], we are working on alternative solutions to ensure that players can continue enjoying the game. We will share more details as soon as possible,” the message reads.

Last month, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that Ironmace must pay Nexon ₩8.5 billion ($5.8 million) for trade secret infringement. However, it found no violation of Nexon’s copyright, allowing the studio to continue developing and operating Dark and Darker. Both parties have since filed appeals.

Nexon believes that Ironmace founders stole the source code for the now-canceled Project P3 while they were working at the company, and then used corporate data and game assets to create their own game.

In 2023, Ironmace also partnered with Krafton to develop the mobile version of Dark and Darker. The title is now available for pre-registration, with its soft launch currently underway in Canada and the US.