Gearbox Software Becomes Full Owner of Duke Nukem

A fierce legal battle has been going on over the rights of the IP Duke Nukem. Gearbox Software, 3D Realms, and Interceptor Entertainment had been going at it for quite a while, and now, we have a resolution. Though certain details have not been made clear at present, the result of the settlement is that Gearbox now fully owns Duke Nukem. Below you can read the statements from all three parties towards the resolution of the case.

“When Interceptor acquired a license to develop ‘Duke Nukem Mass Destruction’ (‘Duke Nukem Survivor’) from 3D Realms, we did so in good faith and were not aware of any conflict,” said 3D Realms CEO Mike Nielsen. “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.’ As for our own games, we’re eager to complete development of the ‘Bombshell’ game and get it in the hands of our fans.”

“I’m really happy that the lawsuit between Gearbox, 3DR, and Interceptor has come to an end,” said Interceptor CEO Frederik Schreiber. “Right now, I, along with my Interceptor colleagues, are busy making the finishing touches on Bombshell. We can’t wait until you guys can play it!”

“I genuinely appreciate Mr. Nielsen’s and Mr. Schreiber’s statement and sincerely offer my best wishes to Interceptor Entertainment and 3D Realms towards their future success and, as someone who was part of the 3D Realms team when Bombshell was first imagined, I am excited to see what they have in store for us with their game,” said Gearbox Software president Randy Pitchford.

Now whether a Duke Nukem game will now come from Gearbox in the near future is not clear at present, but with this settled? It’s not out of the realm of possibility.