Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction dev acquires 3D Realms

Duke Nukem creator 3D Realms, otherwise known as Apogee Software, is now the property of Interceptor Entertainment, the developer behind Duke Nukem: Manhattan.

Interceptor CEO Frederik Schreiber confirmed the news on Twitter.

"We will be giving an official statement tomorrow," the executive said, so expect an update during the Europe and US business hours overlap.

Schrieber's comment followed a statement from Mike Nielsen in an interview with Danish newspaper Børsen, in which the Interceptor partner is listed as Apogee Software and 3D Realms' new CEO.

"With this acquisition, we aim to strengthen 3D Realms and protect the legend that it is. The brand itself is very valuable, and we want to ensure the survival and return to the level at which it is renowned," he said.

Although best known these days for Duke Nukem, 3D Realms was founded in 1987 and is also responsible for Commander Keen, Rise of the Triad and Shadow Warrior, among others. In addition to its own properties, which it has shown a willingness to license to companies like Devolver Digital and Interceptor, it is fondly remembered as an important 1990's publisher under its former name Apogee Software, mainly for bringing us Wolfenstein 3D.

Meanwhile, new owner Interceptor is a Danish indie dating back to 2010. Its first project was Duke Nukem 3D: Reloaded, a fan remake, and its first major commercial release was last year's Rise of the Triad.

The purchase is particularly interesting as Interceptor is behind Duke Nukem: Manhattan, a game which has brought Gearbox's legal team out in force. 3D Realms signed away almost all rights to Duke Nukem in 2010 when Gearbox took on the notoriously troubled development of Duke Nukem Forever, and Gearbox is, therefore, suing both 3D Realms and Interceptor for trademark and copyright infringement as well as breach of contract.

Interceptor said last week that it produced the new Duke Nukem game "in good faith", but the companies involved are yet to comment on ongoing legal wrangling.

Thanks, Polygon.