Highlights
Ironmace has joined forces with Krafton to create a mobile edition of their game Dark and Darker, an immersive multiplayer dungeon crawler set in a dark fantasy world. This gripping game combines PvPvE combat with roguelike elements for an unforgettable experience.
Krafton is enthusiastic about the game's potential and creativity, but their press release lacks specific information about the mobile adaptation. There is a possibility that the mobile version will exist as a distinct game with evident distinctions, comparable to the relationship between PUBG and PUBG Mobile.
Ironmace is presently engaged in a legal dispute with Nexon, alleging asset theft which led to the removal of Dark and Darker's Steam page. The case was dismissed in the US, but it is still ongoing in Korean courts.
Ironmace has announced the upcoming release of its early access game, Dark and Darker, for smartphones. Teaming up with Krafton, the publisher of PUBG and Moonbreaker, the small studio plans to develop a mobile version of the dark fantasy multiplayer dungeon crawler.
In Dark and Darker, players embark on a quest to find treasure in randomly generated dungeons. The game offers a unique blend of PvPvE combat, roguelike elements, and a mix of extraction and battle royale gameplay. However, Ironmace is currently embroiled in a lengthy legal dispute with Nexon, the publisher of Maple Story, over allegations of asset theft from a canceled game called P3. As a result, Dark and Darker's Steam page has been taken down, but Ironmace is making efforts to have it restored. Although the US copyright case has been dismissed, the legal battle continues in Korean courts.
On August 24, Krafton made a press release to announce its exclusive license acquisition for the development of a mobile game centered around Dark and Darker. Krafton's Senior Head of Publishing, Rafael Lim, expressed great interest in the potential and distinctive creativity exhibited by Dark and Darker. The company's fascination primarily lies with the unique and innovative combination of genres found within this content. With Ironmace's creation, Krafton believes that something extraordinary has been achieved, leading to excitement about introducing Dark and Darker to a brand new audience of mobile gamers.
Unfortunately, Krafton's press release lacks details regarding the release date and what players can expect from the mobile adaptation of Dark and Darker. Notably, the press release uses the term "adaptation," suggesting that the mobile version may be a distinct game rather than a direct port.
A potential comparison can be drawn to PUBG: Battlegrounds and PUBG Mobile. Although they share similarities, there are noticeable differences between the two games. PUBG Mobile offers simplified controls, smaller and less detailed maps, and less realistic graphics. Additionally, the mobile version includes features like auto-pickup, a redesigned interface, and extra audio-visual cues. These changes are necessary for the Android and iOS versions but noticeably alter the gameplay experience. Moreover, while the PC and console versions have occasional crossovers and special events, PUBG Mobile excels in this aspect.
It is reasonable to assume that some of these characteristics will also apply to Dark and Darker's mobile version. However, it is premature to make any definitive predictions, as the new game is likely not yet under development. In the meantime, the PC version of Dark and Darker can be accessed early, but players must overcome certain challenges to obtain it.