Dedicated gamers and fantasy enthusiasts, gather ’round! The long-anticipated moment has arrived as Dark and Darker emerges onto the gaming scene. After amassing a devoted following through a series of thrilling Steam playtests over the past year, the game’s official release is finally upon us. However, here’s the twist – it’s not venturing onto the familiar terrain of Steam’s PC gaming kingdom.
As unveiled by the insightful YouTuber Onepeg and subsequently confirmed by the esteemed PC Gamer, Dark and Darker’s release is a reality. Yet, the pathway to this fantasy realm diverges from the well-trodden Steam path. To wield the power of Dark and Darker, intrepid players are tasked with acquiring the game via two avenues: the hallowed grounds of the official Dark and Darker website or the enigmatic Korean haven known as Chaf Games. As we write, the official website seems to have fallen under the weight of eager anticipation, momentarily paralyzed by the surge of aspiring adventurers seeking to lay claim to the game. On the other hand, the purchase button on Chaf Games’ platform, though present, slumbers in inaction.
Enter Ironmace, the visionary behind this fantasy-themed extraction shooter. The game was initially primed for an early access debut on Steam this year. However, fate’s wheel took a turn when a legal dispute flared between Ironmace and Korean gaming juggernaut Nexon. The legal duel erupted into a DMCA takedown saga. Nexon, asserting that Ironmace – comprising ex-Nexon developers – pilfered code and assets from a shelved Nexon project to craft Dark and Darker, wielded the legal hammer. Ironmace vehemently denied the allegations, triggering legal engagements spanning across both the United States and Korea.
Caught within the crosshairs of this legal tempest, Dark and Darker finds itself in limbo on Steam’s sacred grounds. Unyielding in the face of adversity, Ironmace chose a path less traveled. They’ve crafted their very own gateway, an independent launcher, and a direct sales channel for the game. According to the sagas recounted by Onepeg, a luminary who’s ardently documented the game’s saga and legal escapades, Ironmace’s CEO Terence Park sent tidings of the impending launch on August 7, alongside a trove of official details.
Venture into the depths of this captivating realm and uncover two editions of Dark and Darker available for your choosing. The standard edition beckons at a $35 entry fee, while the illustrious “Hold the Line” Founder’s Edition, priced at $50, showers you with an exclusive skeleton character skin, torch, and emote to embellish your quest. Be it from the official site or Chaf Games, remember – all adventurers share the same universe and wield the same launcher.
But that’s not all! A fresh progression mechanic unfolds, wherein the valiant shall amass Blue Shards – a currency tailor-made for acquiring cosmetics. A sparkling reward awaits those who acquire the game, bestowing them with an initial grant of five Blue Shards. While these elusive Shards can only be earned through the toils of gameplay, those seeking a swifter path can obtain Red Shards with tangible coin, which can unlock an array of coveted cosmetics. It’s a dance of balance, where Blue Shards and Red Shards engage in a cosmic tango.
Dark and Darker’s journey was far from conventional. During its last Steam playtest, the game ascended as a titan, reigning over the Steam Next Fest with over 110,000 simultaneous players. The latest chapter of its saga, a playtest following its Steam withdrawal, saw Ironmace boldly deliver Dark and Darker through a torrent of intrigue.
So, fellow adventurers, the time has come. Let the journey into Dark and Darker’s immersive realms begin anew. Embrace the unforeseen, wield your prowess, and traverse a world unlike any other. Your adventure awaits beyond the boundaries of Steam, in a domain where darkness meets destiny.