Dark and Darker Enters Early Access with Its Own Launcher

After overcoming legal disputes and delays, the highly-anticipated game Dark and Darker has finally entered Early Access. However, instead of being available on Steam, developer Ironmace Games has chosen to create its own launcher called Blacksmith.

The game initially received a positive reaction when the demo launched during the Steam Next Fest earlier this year. However, it has faced challenges since then due to complaints from Korean game developer Nexon.

Nexon accused Ironmace Games of developing the game with stolen code, resulting in authorities searching the latter’s offices. Ironmace Games denied the allegations, and the police found no evidence supporting Nexon’s claim, as reported by NME.

Subsequently, Nexon issued a cease and desist order, leading to the game’s removal from Steam and causing several delays. The Early Access launch was originally scheduled for spring.

Dark and Darker is a medieval extraction looter game where teams of four gather loot in dungeons. The game introduces an element of battle royale as players must try to extract their findings while navigating a shrinking safe zone and confronting other teams. Interested players can access the game through Ironmace Games’ Blacksmith launcher, either in the standard edition or the Founder’s Edition which offers additional perks.

Ironmace Games has confirmed that it intends to make the game, or its Early Access version, available on Steam in the future, acknowledging Steam as the largest PC storefront globally, according to PC Gamer.

If you’re excited about the upcoming game Dark and Darker, be sure to check out the latest releases for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.