On the 22nd, Hound 13 posted an official statement on its website to refute the injunction filed by Webzen to block the self-publishing of 'Dragon Sword.'

'Dragon Sword' is an open-world action RPG developed by Hound 13 and published by Webzen on January 21. While it garnered high expectations for its unique action and classic fantasy-style graphics, conflict arose in February when Webzen failed to pay the Minimum Guarantee (MG). Although Webzen initially threatened a stern response, Hound 13 exposed additional investment conditions—such as Webzen demanding management rights at face value—leading Webzen to pay the remaining MG and claim a normalization of service. When subsequent negotiations failed, Hound 13 announced plans for self-publishing and a relaunch, setting up a Steam page and YouTube channel. In response, Webzen filed an injunction on the 21st to prohibit the self-publishing.

Regarding this situation, Hound 13 explained that its publishing contract with Webzen was legally terminated on February 13, following the procedures stipulated in the contract, due to Webzen's failure to fulfill its obligation to pay the MG (pre-revenue settlement). Hound 13 added that it had communicated this position to Webzen through multiple official written notices and that Webzen’s claim that the publishing contract remains valid is one-sided.

The company also addressed the Steam service for the package version, 'Dragon Sword: Awakening.' It stated that as the developer and copyright holder of Dragon Sword, Hound 13 retains independent service rights now that the previous publishing contract has been terminated, and that the service is proceeding based on legitimate authority. Accordingly, Hound 13 is preparing for the Steam launch of 'Dragon Sword: Awakening' without setbacks, aiming to release a demo in June and launch the game in July as originally planned.