iron macethe development studio behind the multiplayer extraction RPG based on medieval fantasy dark and darker, encourages players to participate in the latest play test by downloading the game. This unconventional decision follows a series of controversies surrounding the game, including a cease and desist letter and a DMCA takedown notice delivered in March.
The current play test torrent, which is scheduled to last until April 19, was released on the game discord server. Ironmace chose this route due to the ongoing complexities in resolving the Steam situation caused by the cease and desist letter and DMCA takedown notice (via IGN).
The legal troubles began after Korean officials searched Ironmace's offices for stolen codes and assets from publisher Nexon. About half of Ironmace's 20-person team previously worked for nexon. Although iron mace claimed nothing was found during the search, the game was subsequently removed from Steam, and the studio remains embroiled in a legal battle with nexon.
Dark and Darker was initially a sleeper hit upon the release of its original playtest. The game involves players entering a dungeon with a group to take down AI-controlled enemies and other groups of players in hopes of emerging from the dungeon with upgraded equipment and abilities. The game also features permadeath, requiring players to start over if their character dies during a dungeon.
Despite ongoing legal issues and an uncertain future, fans of dark and darker they are determined to see the game available in some form. With the studio's decision to turn to torrents for the latest test, it seems Ironmace is committed to keeping his promise to fans, even if it means turning to unconventional methods.
