The Epic Games Store has removed the free-to-play game "Dark and Darker" amid an ongoing copyright dispute.

Image credit: Ironmace

In an unexpected development, the free version of the game Dark and Darker, which initially appeared on the Epic Games Store in March 2024, has been removed just a year after its release. According to Ironmace, the game's developer, this action is linked to an ongoing copyright conflict with Nexon Games.

While the free and premium editions of Dark and Darker continue to be available on Steam, only the premium version—Dark and Darker: Legendary Status—can still be found on Epic Games Store. Ironmace informed their community via Discord that "Epic Games has decided to delist Dark and Darker from the Epic Games Store," attributing the decision to claims made by parties involved in the legal dispute.

The company is currently trying to understand the full reasoning behind this delisting. They noted that while Dark and Darker has been removed, its premium counterpart, Legendary Status, remains accessible for purchase, which may cause some confusion. Ironmace is exploring alternative options to ensure players can keep engaging with the game if it becomes unplayable on the Epic Games platform. An apology was issued for any inconvenience caused, along with a promise to provide further updates as soon as more information is available.

Initially launched on Steam in February 2023, Dark and Darker faced delisting after Nexon claimed that its development stemmed from a Nexon prototype project known as P3. Staff from Ironmace are former Nexon employees, and Nexon accused them of utilizing "stolen" code and assets to develop the game.

In March 2023, Ironmace's offices were searched by Korean authorities, and items related to Dark and Darker were taken. However, a South Korean court later dismissed Nexon's preliminary injunction against Ironmace in January 2024.