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Indie history: How shareware helped build Epic Games
"When [Epic] popped up and said, ‘We're redefining the publishing deal,’ it made me chuckle." - Mike Wilson, co-founder of Devolver Digital
3D Realms returns with 32-game Anthology release
Once-defunct publisher 3D Realms has re-opened its doors, releasing a 32-game compilation and promising a slate of upcoming releases from a newly-assembled staff. The 3D Realms Anthology, available for $19.99 from the publisher's website, collects Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior, Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy, Wolfenstein 3D, Rise of the Triad: Dark War, and other classic PC games in a DRM-free package. Many of the company's past works -- including Alien Carnage, Major Stryker, and Stargunner -- are also available as free downloads. 3D Realms shed its former staff in 2008, but retained its rights to Duke Nukem and other landmark PC franchises. Rise of the Triad developer Interceptor Entertainment acquired label owner Apogee Software earlier this year, and now controls all associated IP and branding. [Video: 3D Realms]
Out of nowhere, 3D Realms teases return of Major Stryker
In the most unexpected news you'll read today, publisher 3D Realms appears to be planning the return of Major Stryker, assuming a vague, 38-second YouTube clip is to be believed. For those who don't keep meticulous tabs on the minor shareware hits of 1993, Major Stryker was a 2D, MS-DOS-exclusive vertical shooter that dropped players into the boots of the titular Major as he soared through the skies blasting enemies and collecting power-ups. At debut Major Stryker received middling reviews and the game was released as freeware in 2006. What 3D Realms has planned for the archaic shooter is unknown - the only reason we know the above teaser is even related to Major Stryker is the video's title and its catchy music - but the tweet accompanying this footage urges fans to "Get Ready for August!" If you'd rather not wait, you can download Major Stryker from 3D Realms' website. [Image: 3D Realms]
One-armed mercenary Bombshell has roots in Duke Nukem
3D Realms and parent company Interceptor Entertainment unveiled Bombshell today, a top-down action-RPG starring a bionic leading lady of the same name. The Unreal Engine game is coming to the PS4 and PC in Q1 2015, and Interceptor says it'll be the first entry in a brand new franchise the company has "great long-term goals and ambitions for." As detailed on the game's "nogumneeded.com" website, Shelly "Bombshell" Harrison is a mercenary for hire with a bionic arm that transforms into different weapons. According to game director Frederik Schreiber. her inspiration lies in 80s action movies and cyberpunk, and she traces her roots to an unused character concept for the Duke Nukem series. [Source: Interceptor Entertainment]
3D Realms responds to Gearbox, claims it owns Duke Nukem trademark
3D Realms isn't backing down from its most recent legal dispute with Gearbox, after the studio asserted it has the rights to develop its Duke Nukem game, and more than that, it has the sole rights to the Duke Nukem trademark. Following 3D Realms' tease of Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction, Gearbox announced it's suing the developer over unauthorized use of the Duke Nukem property and a violation of trademarks. In its complaint, Gearbox said 3D Realms sold the franchise rights to Gearbox in 2010 but then "sought to privately convince others that the sale never happened." 3D Realms filed its response to Gearbox last week, and the now Interceptor-owned studio provided Polygon with the following statement explaining its position: "On March 17, 2014, 3D Realms filed its answer to the complaint by Gearbox Software in Dallas, Texas. 3DR denies all allegations set forth in the complaint. In its answer, 3DR has submitted evidence showing that Gearbox at no point intended to enter into good faith negotiations but instead sought to force former owners, Scott Miller and George Broussard, to improperly surrender what rightfully belonged to 3DR. "It is our position that 3DR retains the right to develop the tentatively titled "Duke Nukem Survivor" game for specific platforms. This game was previously licensed for development to Interceptor Entertainment. Furthermore, it is our position that the Trademark for "Duke Nukem" was never assigned to Gearbox, but remains the sole property of 3DR." A spokesperson for Interceptor Entertainment explained "Duke Nukem Survivor" is the tentative title for Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction. Interceptor provided its own statement to Polygon, adding that "It's unfortunate that Gearbox has shown no intention of finding a peaceful solution with us. We will however continue to work towards a solution." Last month's legal action comes five months after 3D Realms and Gearbox's last dispute. 3D Realms filed a lawsuit against Gearbox in June 2013 over unpaid royalties from Duke Nukem Forever, only to withdraw it three months later after reviewing the evidence. [Image: Interceptor Entertainment]
3D Realms acquired by Rise of the Triad developer
Interceptor Entertainment, developer of the 2013 Rise of the Triad reboot, has acquired Apogee Software, who in turn owns the 3D Realms brand and formerly owned the Duke Nukem IP. The news was first reported by Danish newspaper Borsen, and confirmed on Twitter by Interceptor CEO Frederik Schreiber. Apogee/3D Realms recently became embroiled in a legal battle with Gearbox Software, the current owners of Duke. It's not clear how the acquisition will impact the ongoing legal battle, but Schreiber noted that Interceptor will have an official statement tomorrow. [Image: Apogee]
Interceptor CEO on Duke Nukem case: We 'acted in good faith'
Interceptor CEO Frederik Schreiber has acknowledged yesterday's surprise lawsuit between Gearbox Software, the current license holder of the Duke Nukem franchise, and 3D Realms and Interceptor, the two studios currently collaborating on top-down shooter Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction. "We are aware of the lawsuit against 3D Realms and Interceptor," Interceptor CEO Frederik Schreiber told Game Informer. "It's an unfortunate situation, but we have acted in good faith and are working towards a resolution." 3D Realms has yet to comment on the situation. The Duke Nukem license was purchased by Gearbox in 2010. Yesterday's filing claims 3D Realms "sought to privately convince others that the sale never happened." This isn't the first time Gearbox and 3D Realms have gotten into a legal kerfuffle. After Gearbox purchased the Duke Nukem license and shipped Duke Nukem: Forever, 3D Realms sued over alleged unpaid royalties. A few months later, 3D Realms offered a public apology and dismissed the lawsuit. [Image: Gearbox]
Gearbox suing 3D Realms, Interceptor for 'unauthorized' Duke Nukem use
Gearbox Software filed a lawsuit against 3D Realms (3DR) and Interceptor Entertainment, accusing the studios of unauthorized use of the Duke Nukem property and alleging violation of trademarks held by Gearbox. The lawsuit points to 3D Realms' recent reveal of Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction, which features a teaser site with a timer counting down to February 25. "Apparently, after selling its Duke Nukem IP rights to Gearbox in 2010, 3DR sought to privately convince others that the sale never happened," the complaint reads. "The result is the unauthorized development effort that reportedly exists between 3DR and Interceptor." Among the documents filed in the suit is a breach statement issued by Gearbox stating that 3D Realms infringed on Gearbox's intellectual property in addition to a statement signed by 3D Realms CEO Scott Miller and Duke Nukem co-creator George Broussard that acknowledged the infringement. In a statement filed to Joystiq, Gearbox Software said, "As the filing shows, 3DR's wrongdoing is both admitted and unfortunate for everyone who cares about Duke Nukem." 3D Realms filed a lawsuit against Gearbox in June 2013 for alleged unpaid royalties for Duke Nukem Forever, and later issued a public apology and withdrawal of the lawsuit in September 2013. Gearbox took over the development of the game in September 2010 in addition to acquiring the rights to the brand from 3D Realms. [Image: Gearbox Software]
Classic Duke Nukem adventures headline Indie Royale Mixer Bundle
Dubbed the "Mixer Bundle," Indie Royale's latest collection features a wildly disparate selection of games united only by their sizable discounts. Included in the Bundle are Cherry Tree High Comedy Club, Alien Spidy, Miner Wars 2081, Dollar Dash, The Journey Down: Chapter 1, Cherry Tree High Comedy Club, Foreign Legion: Multi Massacre, Final Slam 2 and Party of Sin. Additionally, the Bundle stretches the modern definition of "indie" a bit to include both Duke Nukem and its sequel, Duke Nukem 2, games developed and published by Apogee Software at a time when developers releasing games independently was still the industry standard. As with all Indie Royale bundles, the price you pay for these games hinges on the average amount paid by other customers. As of now, all of this can be yours for as little as $4.78. If you decide to pay more for the Bundle, know that any purchases above $7 will be rewarded with a copy of Darkman007's "Chiptunes - 2014" album in either .mp3 or .flac format. [Image: 3D Realms]
Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction teases top-down action
Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction is a top-down, action RPG for PC and PS4 from Interceptor Entertainment and 3D Realms, according to a teaser site at alloutofgum.com (warning: auto-playing, manly music) and a Facebook page. The Facebook page briefly contained scripts of alien text that described the death of a planet and the hard-won survival of its population, the Kyrr, as translated by fans. "Duke Nukem kicks ass across planets in an Unreal Engine-powered galactic adventure to save the president from an apocalyptic alien threat," the translation reads. "All new enemies. A never-before-seen arsenal of devastating weaponry and series-first mechanics, including experience points and tech trees, will let Duke rip 'em a new one in a way he never has before." Interceptor Entertainment is the studio behind Rise of the Triad and iOS ports of Duke Nukem games, and in December we noticed it was working on a PC and PS4 game dubbed "Project Ascender." 3D Realms handled 2011's Duke Nukem Forever with Gearbox Software, a relationship that ended with a canceled lawsuit and ... Duke Nukem Forever. The timer on Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction's teaser site hits zero on February 25. [Image: 3D Realms]
Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition updated with cross-platform multiplayer
The Steam version of 3D Realms' classic first-person shooter Duke Nukem 3D has been updated with competitive and cooperative multiplayer gameplay modes, letting up to eight players kick ass and/or chew bubblegum in online Dukematch battles. The new multiplayer mode supports cross-platform play across Windows, Mac, and Linux, and offers over 200 user-created maps via Steam Workshop. Duke Nukem 3D is also on sale as part of Steam's Midweek Madness promotion, and is currently available for $3.99.
Rise of the Triad dev working on next-gen 'Project Ascender'
Interceptor Entertainment, Aalborg, Denmark-based developers of Rise of the Triad and iOS ports of Duke Nukem and its sequel, are currently working on a game known as "Project Ascender." The game is in development for PS4 and PC, and has been in the works since September. The project's existence is made known through two Interceptor developer LinkedIn profiles, namely that of CEO Frederik Schreiber. The other LinkedIn profile in question, for Executive Producer Khaled Ibrahimi, lists a 2014 release window for the project. The project linked in Schreiber's profile lists 19 team members on the project, including IP Creator Scott Miller, co-founder and CEO of 3D Realms.
3D Realms withdraws lawsuit against Gearbox
3D Realms has withdrawn its lawsuit against Gearbox. Filed in June, the lawsuit alleged that Gearbox blocked an independent audit to document royalties earned from Duke Nukem Forever. The original Duke Nukem developer sought $2 million in the lawsuit, but has now dropped the case entirely. In a statement to the media, 3D Realms CEO Scott Miller said, "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." Miller also offered "genuine apologies" to Gearbox CEO and President Randy Pitchford "for any damage that our lawsuit may have caused to the relationship."
Shadow Warrior Classic Redux launches on Steam with a discount
Shadow Warrior is getting a full-on facelift this fall with a revamp from Flying Wild Hog, but now there's an option for those who just can't wait to for the Wang. Shadow Warrior Classic Redux features remastered visuals, a remixed soundtrack, the original game and two expansion packs, Wanton Destruction and Twin Dragon. It's available now on Steam for PC and Mac, for 15 percent off ($8.50). The 1997 version of Shadow Warrior is on Steam as a free-to-play game, for those who want to give the game a go for no dough. When the new Shadow Warrior launches in the fall, it will feature a more mature Lo Wang and the ability to use magic. %Gallery-193386%
3D Realms sues Gearbox over unpaid Duke Nukem royalties, Gearbox responds
3D Realms has filed suit against Gearbox Software, claiming unpaid royalties for the 2011 multiplatform release of Duke Nukem Forever. Gearbox took over and resumed development of Duke Nukem Forever in 2009, eventually completing the project that 3D Realms had spent nearly 15 years developing. 3D Realms now seeks to recover over $2 million, claiming that Gearbox blocked an independent audit attempting to document the company's royalty earnings from Duke Nukem Forever. The lawsuit filing, discovered by Duke4.net member "Green," notes that Gearbox agreed to pay off a $2.9 million loan that 3D Realms owed to an unnamed company, as part of its purchasing agreement for the rights to Duke Nukem Forever and the follow-up project, Duke Begins. 3D Realms alleges that Gearbox refused to pay out royalties until the cost of this loan is recouped, violating the terms of the agreement. Responding to Joystiq's request for comment, Gearbox VP of Marketing Steve Gibson said, "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," Gibson continued. "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."
Shadow Warrior Classic free-to-play on Steam 'forever'
Ahead of the Shadow Warrior reinvention, publisher Devolver Digital is giving away the original 1997 shooter for free on Steam. The controversial 3D Realms game, which used the same engine as Duke Nukem 3D, was originally going for free for a "limited time." However, according to the official Shadow Warrior Twitter account it's staying free-to-play "forever." Devolver Digital and Flying Wild Hog's Shadow Warrior comeback is due on PC this fall, and on next-gen consoles (as yet unspecified) next year. We recently caught up with lead writer Jan Bartkowicz to see how the modern Shadow Warrior will compare to the original.
Reinventing Shadow Warrior for the modern era
Just over 16 years ago, Shadow Warrior launched on PC. As the follow-up to 3D Realms' popular shooter Duke Nukem 3D, the two bore similarities; both donned an iconic first-person shooter style, substituting substance for violence at every turn. While Duke Nukem was a macho, chauvinist with all the ammo he could ever need, Shadow Warrior's main character was crass in a slightly different, albeit still offensive way. The ninja assassin protagonist, Lo Wang, intended as a spoof on East Asian action heroes, was a walking racial stereotype. Lo Wang shouted "you want-a some wang?" with a mocking Asian accent, used chopsticks to catch flies, picked up fortune cookies in secret areas and fought sumo wrestlers. For many, Shadow Warrior was offensive and the game was criticized heavily for it. Sixteen years later, Devolver Digital and developer Flying Wild Hog have announced a collaboration to reinvent Shadow Warrior; the spoils of the partnership due this fall on PC and in 2014 for unspecified next-gen consoles. While a modern Shadow Warrior will bare an updated skin, the "reinvention" isn't expected to be a departure from the original game's roots.%Gallery-188724%
Duke Nukem 2 hits iOS next month
Duke Nukem's two-dimensional VGA romp through the alien-ridden, distant future year of 1998 is coming to various iOS devices next month, in celebration of the game's twentieth anniversary. Originally released in 1993 for MS-DOS, Duke Nukem 2 will be available for $1.99 and will be compatible with iOS devices iPhone 4S and newer, including iPad Minis and last-generation's iPod Touch.As seen in the trailer above, Interceptor Entertainment's iOS port uses virtual button controls to navigate Duke through the game's 32 levels. While Duke's pre-3D adventures were a little bit more Contra than they were Doom, the franchise's sense of humor had already been firmly cemented in place, much like his hairstyle.
Rise of the Triad 60% off on GOG
Apogee's 1994 first-person shooter, Rise of the Triad: Dark War, is 60% off on GOG.com today. Those gearing up for the eventual return of the game courtesy of Interceptor Entertainment, as announced at QuakeCon this year, have until 10:59am GMT tomorrow to pick up the original game for $2.39.The DRM-free download comes with the game's soundtrack and seven extra levels, so saving $3.60 never felt better (especially if you buy a burrito with that extra money like we will).
Apogee opens online store, peddling its classics
Shareware pioneer Apogee Software has announced the launch of a new online store, offering a handful of Apogee's most well-known games, specifically Duke Nukem 3D, Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project, Rise of the Triad and both Blake Stone titles, all of which can be had for $5.99 each. Savvy readers may recognize that the same lineup has been available via GoG.com for some time now. The Apogee store manages to offer a better deal though, thanks to its "Legacy Pack" which bundles all five games for $20. The bundle also includes the "Extreme Rise of the Triad" expansion and ... the Duke Nukem: Critical Mass soundtrack. Also, until June 20, the store is running a Father's Day promotion, offering the Legacy Pack for only $15. Just use the promo code "Father" during checkout. The current slate of available games is apparently just the beginning, as Apogee plans to revisit its beginnings as a digital distributor by "providing a platform for new developers to access a global market."
