Ironmace Studio Turns to Torrenting for Dark and Darker Playtest Amid Legal Battle

Ironmace, the development studio behind the medieval fantasy-based extraction multiplayer RPG Dark and Darker, encourages players to participate in the latest playtest by torrenting the game. This unconventional decision follows a series of controversies surrounding the game, including a cease and desist letter and a DMCA takedown notice served in March.

The torrent for the current playtest, which is scheduled to last until April 19, was released on the game’s Discord server. Ironmace opted for this route due to 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 code and assets from publisher Nexon. Approximately half of Ironmace’s 20-person team previously worked for Nexon. Although Ironmace claimed nothing was found during the search, the game was subsequently delisted 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 gameplay involves players entering a dungeon with a party to defeat AI-controlled enemies and other player parties in hopes of leaving the dungeon with improved equipment and abilities. The game also features perma-death, requiring players to start anew if their character dies during a dungeon run.

Despite the ongoing legal issues and uncertain future, fans of Dark and Darker are determined to see the game made available in some form. With the studio’s decision to turn to torrenting for the latest playtest, it seems that Ironmace is committed to keeping its promise to fans, even if it means resorting to unconventional methods.