Duke Nukem creators suing Gearbox

Apogee Software, the legal name of series creators 3D Realms, is suing Gearbox for over $2million USD of allegedly withheld royalties for their 2011 game, Duke Nukem Forever.

The claim, which was filed at the state court of Texas, states that Gearbox failed to pay Apogee monies owed following the 2010 purchase of the franchise, and that Gearbox has also prevented them with conducting an independent audit of royalties earned on the game that took over a decade to create, and which was poorly received by critics and gamers alike.

In response to the claim, an unidentified Gearbox spokesperson provided to following statement to Polygon:

"Ironically, Scott Miller himself provided the best response when he wrote: '..filed lawsuits are entirely one-sided statements, based on knee-deep BS and with more spin than a top. The reality is that Apogee / 3D Realms (3DR) received the full benefit of its bargain. Gearbox, in its fulfillment of its commitments, enriched 3DR, saved 3DR from its debts and rescued 3DR from its litigation surrounding 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.

"It's unfortunate that 3DR did not abide by the the objective audit rules outlined in the agreement and even more unfortunate that it chose to blame its failures on Gearbox. Since 3DR seems unable to accept reality and has chosen to become hostile, Gearbox is forced to bring its actual claims of breach of contract against 3DR and is confident Gearbox will prevail.

"Perhaps the lesson learned here is to never enter a gaming business deal with a person who has had more lawsuits than shipped games."