Gearbox, the maker of Borderlands, had been embroiled in a lawsuit with 3D Realms and Interceptor Entertainment over the Duke Nukem intellectual property. Previously, 3D Realms did sell Duke Nukem to Gearbox, who finished development on Duke Nukem Forever and released the game as expected.
After this had happened 3D Realms was then purchased by the Danish developer Interceptor, who teased a game called Duke Nukem Mass Destruction. Gearbox sued 3D Realms, who later revealed an isometric action game called Bombshell, which many believe was an altered version of Duke Nukem Mass Destruction without its titular character in the mix.
In a joint statement issued by Gearbox, 3D Realms and Interceptor, the companies said they had “resolved their differences”, and all litigation between them had ended.
The current 3D Realms boss Mike Nielsen said Interceptor has acquired a license to develop Duke Nukem Mass Destruction from 3D Realms in good faith.
Nielsen further went on to say that he is rather happy to see what Gearbox has in store for Duke Nukem.
However, Gearbox said it would keep the terms of its settlement confidential, but stressed it is “the full and rightful owner” of the Duke Nukem property.
So what’s next for the Duke? At the Develop conference in back in July, Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford said he wants to work on a new Duke Nukem game, aided by an outside developer.
Pitchford explained Gearbox had worked on concepts for a follow-up to Duke Nukem Forever, but getting the game made would likely require Gearbox to rope in extra development support from another studio.
Pitchford had then explained the challenge they’re facing at the moment with working on other titles.
So now we await to hope another studio would step up to the plate and work on Duke Nukem’s next title. Who would you like to see work on the next Duke?
