Ironmace’s PvPvE dungeon crawler, Dark and Darker, has been removed from the Epic Games Store (EGS) amid an ongoing legal dispute with South Korean publisher Nexon. The delisting follows a series of legal challenges that have plagued the game’s development and distribution.

Background of the Legal Dispute

The conflict began when Nexon accused Ironmace, a studio founded by former Nexon employees, of using trade secrets and proprietary information from a canceled Nexon project, known internally as “P3,” to develop Dark and Darker. Nexon alleged that Ironmace’s game bore significant similarities to “P3,” leading to claims of intellectual property infringement.

Court Ruling on Trade Secret Infringement

In February 2025, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that Ironmace had infringed upon Nexon’s trade secrets, ordering the studio to pay ₩8.5 billion (approximately $5.8 million USD) in damages. However, the court found no evidence of copyright infringement, allowing Ironmace to continue developing and operating Dark and Darker.

Ironmace’s Response and Future Plans

In response to the delisting, Ironmace stated that they are working to understand the exact reasons behind Epic Games’ decision and are exploring alternative solutions to ensure players can continue enjoying the game. The studio remains committed to resolving the legal issues and bringing Dark and Darker back to a broader audience.

Conclusion

The removal of Dark and Darker from the Epic Games Store marks another chapter in the ongoing legal battle between Ironmace and Nexon. As both parties continue to navigate the complexities of intellectual property rights, the future availability of the game on major platforms remains uncertain. Players and fans are advised to stay tuned for further updates from Ironmace regarding the game’s status and potential avenues for access.​