Now 3D Realms reckons it still owns the Duke Nukem license

The farcical legal fracas between 3D Realms and Gearbox has taken another twist.

It was revealed last month that Gearbox is suing 3D Realms following the latter’s confirmation that it intends to release a new Duke Nukem title. Gearbox says that the IP transferred into its ownership when it bought Duke Nukem Forever in 2010.

Now CVG reports that 3D Realms is arguing that it still owns the Duke Nukem brand rights and that part of its agreement with Gearbox in 2010 afforded it the right to release a game called Duke Nukem Survivor.

Said the studio: "The Duke Nukem trademark rights remain the sole property of 3DR.”

Development of 3D Realms’ Duke Nukem 3D: Reloaded is currently on hold pending the outcome of this current legal spat.

3D Realms was acquired by Interceptor Entertainment last month and had already in September last year withdrew a lawsuit claiming that Gearbox had withheld royalty payments pertaining to Duke Nukem Forever after admitting there was a misunderstanding”.