The Ongoing Struggle of “Dark And Darker” Developer: Confronting Blackballing in the Industry

‘Dark And Darker’ Developer “Cannot Ignore” Being Blackballed by Steam

Background

Ironmace, the developer of the dungeon crawler game Dark and Darker, has recently spoken out about its intention to rectify the game’s omission from the Steam platform. In a statement to PC Gamer, Ironmace’s CEO Terence Park acknowledged the importance of Steam as the largest PC storefront in the world and expressed the company’s determination to address this issue.

However, Ironmace has been embroiled in a legal battle with Nexon since April. Nexon filed a lawsuit against Ironmace, alleging that the game incorporated materials and assets that the developer had obtained during its time working with Nexon on the canceled game, P3. Ironmace denies these claims, asserting that nothing from P3 has been used in Dark and Darker.

As a result of this legal dispute, the game was removed from the Steam platform. To gather feedback on the game’s features and mechanics, Ironmace released playtests through torrents. Currently, Dark and Darker is available for early access through direct purchase from the developer or from the storefront Chaf Games. It is priced at $35.00 (£27.55) for the Standard edition and $50.00 (£39.35) for the Founder’s Edition, which includes additional perks.

Steam Blackballing: The Developer‘s Perspective

Ironmace’s statement reveals the developer‘s acknowledgment of the significant influence and reach of Steam as a distribution platform, thereby highlighting the impact of being excluded from it. This acknowledgement reflects the wider struggle faced by developers within the gaming industry when they encounter obstacles in accessing mainstream platforms.

Being blackballed by a platform like Steam can have serious consequences for a game’s success. Steam possesses a massive user base, with millions of potential customers, making it a vital marketplace for developers to gain visibility and generate revenue. The exclusion from such a platform limits the reach and exposure of a game, making it more challenging for developers to attract attention and build a dedicated player base.

In the case of Ironmace, the removal of Dark and Darker from Steam has necessitated finding alternative avenues for distributing the game, such as direct sales or working with other storefronts. While these options may keep the game accessible to interested players, they lack the wider exposure and marketing opportunities provided by a platform like Steam.

The Legal Battle and Creative Ownership

Ironmace’s legal conflict with Nexon raises crucial questions about creative ownership and the complex relationships between developers and publishers within the gaming industry. The allegations made by Nexon and Ironmace’s subsequent denial highlight the difficulty of untangling intellectual property claims and determining who has the rights to certain assets.

While it is challenging to assess the veracity of each party’s claims without a comprehensive understanding of the evidence presented, this case undoubtedly underscores the need for clear contracts and agreements that protect the creative work of developers. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is imperative that developers and publishers establish transparent frameworks within which they can collaborate without jeopardizing each other’s creative rights.

Advice for Developers

This case serves as a cautionary tale for developers, emphasizing the importance of diligently protecting their creative work and understanding their legal rights and responsibilities. When collaborating with publishers or working on canceled projects, developers must ensure that they have clear agreements in place that outline ownership of intellectual property and protect against potential disputes.

Additionally, developers must diversify their distribution strategies and consider multiple platforms, rather than relying solely on one. While platforms like Steam provide significant reach and visibility, it is essential to explore other avenues to guarantee accessibility and exposure for their games. By diversifying their distribution channels, developers can reduce the risks associated with potential blackballing or exclusions from a single platform.

Ultimately, the gaming industry thrives on innovation and creative expression. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including platforms, publishers, and developers, to establish fair and transparent practices that foster collaboration and protect the rights of those involved. Only through open dialogue and a commitment to shared success can the industry continue to flourish.