The sorry saga of Duke Nukem continues as Gearbox has launched a lawsuit against 3D Realms – again.
Back in 2015, Borderlands maker Gearbox retained the rights to the troubled Duke Nukem franchise after a messy lawsuit with 3D Realms and Interceptor Entertainment over the Duke Nukem intellectual property.
Previously, 3D Realms sold Duke Nukem to Gearbox, who finished development on Duke Nukem Forever and released the game in June 2011 – 15 years after the release of Duke Nukem 3D.
Let’s Play Duke Nukem Forever – Late to the Party Watch on YouTube
3D Realms was then bought by Danish developer Interceptor, who teased a game called Duke Nukem Mass Destruction. Gearbox sued 3D Realms, who later revealed isometric action game Bombshell, an altered version of Duke Nukem Mass Destruction without its titular character.
After Gearbox and 3D Realms settled their differences in 2015, Gearbox insisted it was “the full and rightful owner” of the Duke Nukem franchise.
But now, five years later, Gearbox is suing 3D Realms again, this time over breach of contract relating to the rights to the game’s music.
As reported by Digital Trends, Gearbox is suing 3D Realms parent company Apogee Software for failing to deliver the Duke Nukem IP “free and clear” – that is, Gearbox alleges Apogee withheld details of an agreement that impacts its ability to publish and republish Duke Nukem games.