Duke Nukem Lawsuit Settled, Gearbox Named Full Owner
Gearbox Software, 3D Realms, and Interceptor Entertainment have issued a joint statement declaring [...]
Gearbox Software, 3D Realms, and Interceptor Entertainment have issued a joint statement declaring an end to litigation surrounding the Duke Nukem property. Gearbox has been named the "full and rightful owner of the Duke Nukem franchise."
The lawsuit was sparked when 3D Realms licensed Interceptor to develop the isometric shooter Duke Nukem Mass Destruction for PlayStation 4 and PC. When a teaser for the game appeared in February 2014, Gearbox sued, claiming it had full rights and control of any new Duke Nukem games. 3D Realms countersued, claiming that the rights rested with them.
"When Interceptor acquired a license to develop Duke Nukem Mass Destruction [or Duke Nukem Survivor, its working title] from 3D Realms, we did so in good faith and were not aware of any conflict," Mike Nielsen, current CEO of 3D Realms who was with Interceptor at the time, said in the joint statement. "We never intended to cause any harm to Gearbox or Duke, which is why we immediately ceased development after Gearbox reached out. To secure the future of Duke, 3D Realms has agreed with Gearbox that a single home serves the IP best."
Gearbox originally acquired the rights to Duke Nukem in 2010, when 3D Realms was facing legal action for its inability to complete Duke Nukem Forever. Gearbox finished developing the game, and it was released by Take-Two Interactive in 2011. The game had been in development since 1997, making its name the butt of many jokes in the gaming community, and was a critical flop. Despite all of that, Take-Two says the game turned a profit.
Gearbox, known for creating the Borderlands series, is now free to proceed with the Duke Nukem franchise as they see fit. Interceptor and 3D Realms have turned what was Duke Nukem Mass Destruction into Bombshell, an action-RPG with a female lead character, which is set to launch later this year for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
(via Polygon)
