3D Realms suing Gearbox over unpaid Duke Nuken Forever royalties

The original developer of critical flop Duke Nukem Forever is suing Gearbox for over $2m.

PCGamesN reports that the claims relate to royalties the studio claims remain unpaid following Gearbox’s acquisition of the Duke Nukem Forever rights in 2010.

As well as the missing cash 3D Realms reckons that Gearbox has also blocked independent audit of the royalties they’ve earned on the game, despite them being legally entitled to do so.

Gearbox has completely refuted the claim.

The reality is that 3D Realms received the full benefit of its bargain,” the publisher said. Gearbox, in fulfilment of its commitments, enriched 3D Realms, saved 3DR from its debts and rescued 3DR from its failed dozen plus year attempt to ship Duke Nukem Forever.

Everyone wished that 3DR’s game was better received by the market for the benefit of gamers and profit to its creators. While 3DR might not wish the reality that the results make clear, 3DR turned out to be the only beneficiary of the deal. Gearbox Software, meanwhile, experienced damage to its credibility and loss of its money.”

Gearbox also argues that the terms of the sale allowed it to deduct the $2.9m debt it acquired from 3D Realms before the studio was entitled to royalty payments.