Gearbox Software becomes new home of 'Duke Nukem'

Gearbox Software, In Interceptor Entertainment and 3D Realms have ended their dispute over the ownership of “Duke Nukem” through a joint statement. However, the series will not return to its original home, 3D Realms, as it is now fully owned by Gearbox Software.

The lawsuit began in early 2014 and it was a battle over a top-down action-roleplaying game, or RPG, entry in the series named “Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction,” a title that was teased but was never confirmed for launch. Gearbox Software claims that it was the rightful owner of the property after buying it back in 2010; however, 3D Realms allegedly tried to convince other companies that the deal never happened in the first place. The CEO of 3D Realms Mike Nielsen denied the accusations in a statement. He did, however, state that the licencing deal between 3D Realms and Interceptor Entertainment, was in good faith.

"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. And as big 'Duke' fans, we’re excited to see what Gearbox has in store for the ‘King,’" Nielsen said.

As good as the news may seem, fans looking forward to seeing “Duke Nukem Reloaded” should not expect the title anymore as Interceptor Head Frederik Schreiber officially pulled the plug on the title, as reported by PCGamer. He said, "It was my own decision to pull the plug on 'Duke Nukem Reloaded,' even though we were fully allowed to continue development. I respect Gearbox for supporting a young developer, and I’m glad we can now put this behind us."

The final agreement between the developers were not fully detailed, but the statement clearly showa that Gearbox is the new home of the “Duke Nukem” franchise. Fans can only hope to expect another title in the series anytime soon.

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