In an unexpected and controversial move, the Epic Games Store is set to remove the game Dark and Darker from players’ libraries on November 1, 2025. This rare decision is directly tied to the ongoing legal conflict between publisher Nexon and developer Ironmace.
The Legal Backstory
Dark and Darker is a multiplayer first-person dungeon crawler RPG that launched in 2023. With ten playable classes and a grim fantasy setting, the game quickly gained a dedicated player base. However, its success has been overshadowed by a legal dispute with Nexon.
Nexon alleged that Ironmace had used assets and concepts from a canceled Nexon project, codenamed “P3”, without authorization. Though copyright infringement claims were dismissed, a court ruled that Ironmace had violated Nexon’s trade secrets, ordering them to pay $5.7 million in damages.
Game Removal Confirmed
As a result of the ruling, Epic Games has begun notifying players via email that Dark and Darker will be delisted from the store and fully removed from player libraries on November 1, 2025. After this date, players will no longer be able to access or play the game, even if they previously downloaded it.
Additionally, effective immediately, players will no longer be able to purchase Redstone Shards or the Legendary Status upgrades through the Epic Games Store.
Refund Policy and Player Impact
According to Epic’s notice:
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Legendary Status purchases will be refunded using the original payment method. If that’s not possible, players will receive Epic Wallet credit.
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Redstone Shard purchases are non-refundable, due to limitations outlined in the game’s policy and marketplace rules.
For many gamers, the forced removal and partial refund policy raises concerns about digital game ownership and the long-term viability of games tied to online stores.
A Larger Digital Rights Issue
While platform removals due to legal issues are not new, removing a game from players’ personal libraries is extremely rare and sets a worrisome precedent. Gamers who once believed digital ownership guaranteed access are now realizing that license agreements can override access at any time.
This case highlights the importance of transparency and legal clarity in the gaming industry, particularly as it relates to ownership, licensing, and refunds.
The removal of Dark and Darker from the Epic Games Store marks a dramatic end for a game once brimming with potential. As legal issues continue to shape the digital gaming landscape, players must remain aware of the fragility of digital libraries, especially when tied to third-party platforms.
Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops and player communities respond to this significant change.