3D Realms, the studio that spent more than 10 years working on Duke Nukem Forever, has dropped their lawsuit against Gearbox Software, the company that purchased the rights to the game and finally published it.
The lawsuit was initially brought earlier this year after 3D Realms claimed Gearbox had refused to pay more than $US2 million owed to them from royalties and advances Gearbox received from publishers for the game.
In an email sent to Kotaku today by Gearbox, 3D Realms co-founder Scott Miller had the following to say:
Sept. 11, 2013
Las Colinas, TX
To Whom It May Concern-
After reviewing evidence regarding our business affairs, and without any money exchanging hands, we have satisfactorily resolved any and all differences that we perceived against Gearbox.
In all sincerity, we regret the misunderstanding that instigated our lawsuit. Now that we better understand — and appreciate — the actual nature of our business matters, we have voluntarily withdrawn our claims against Gearbox, with genuine apologies to Randy for any damage that our lawsuit may have caused to the relationship.
Sincerely,
Scott Miller
Individually & On Behalf of Apogee Software Ltd d/b/a 3DRealms Entertainment
In the accompanying email, Gearbox PR described the lawsuit as having been “dismissed with prejudice.”
Well then! That does it for that lawsuit.
Comments
2 responses to “Duke Nukem Creators Drop Lawsuit Over Unpaid Royalties”
The language of Scott’s email makes it sound like Gearbox turned around and said “Sure, we’ll indulge your grievances, but here’s our ammunition stockpile…” *Opens door to a nuclear weapons facility* “To use against you if you do.” Especially since it’s been dismissed with prejudice and no settlement payouts. I’m really curious what that conversation was now…
I really do hope that they make another Duke game. I actually enjoyed DNF, took it for what it was worth. But another one, done well and with all the trimmings, would be friggin awesome in my book. I know I would buy it.