Duke Nuked: Gearbox new IP owners of Duke Nukem

Bang. Gearbox has just announced at its PAX panel it now holds the rights to the Duke Nukem IP, having been transferred to the studio from previous owner 3D Realms.

The Texas-based developer sent out a press release timed with the announce in Seattle, saying it had "acquired the full intellectual property rights of the ‘Duke Nukem’ brand including Duke Nukem Forever and all future projects in a cooperative deal made with 3D Realms."

Needless to say, DNF won't be the last game in the franchise.

According to 3D Realms co-founder Scott Miller, Gearbox was picked because of its "continued passion, commitment and long-time heritage with the brand and 3D Realms."

"Fifteen years ago, Duke Nukem 3D helped launch my professional video game development career," said Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford.

"The Gearbox Software team and I are ecstatic that we have grown to a position to be able to pick up and carry the torch and help Duke rise back to glory in his time of need. Fans of the legendary hero and all the incredible talent that have ever helped him all deserve the very best support that we can bring."

3D Realms co-founder George Broussard added on the move: "Gearbox was the only home appropriate for the Duke Nukem brand. They are very talented and possess the perfect perspective and understanding of the brand.

"Their vision for its future direction is exciting and unbelievable. I am personally cannot wait for fans to see their unique take on the franchise. This will be a win-win situation for everyone involved, especially the fans."

Always bet on Duke. Always.

It comes as Gearbox announced on Friday at PAX it had picked up development work on Duke Nukem Forever after a turbulent 12 year spell at 3D Realms.

In 2009, 3DR closed over a lack of fund. Days afterwards, publisher Take Two were suing the studio for a lack of delivery, as well as funds of $12 million given to it to complete the project

While Take Two had maintained the rights to the game, it was rumoured at E3 that Gearbox were kick-starting development on it again.

The rumour publicly surfaced last month, before becoming official on Friday.

Catch Steph Nunneley's impressions of the game here, and her interview with Gearbox co-founder Brian Martel here.

Duke Nukem Forever launches next year for PS3, 360 and PC.

Press release is below.

Duke Nukem Franchise Transferred to Gearbox Software

Borderlands and Brothers in Arms creators, Gearbox Software, acquire ownership of the legendary Duke Nukem franchise and brand.

Dallas, TX – September 5th, 2010 – Gearbox Software announced today that it has acquired the full intellectual property rights of the 'Duke Nukem' brand including Duke Nukem Forever and all future projects in a cooperative deal made with 3D Realms. Gearbox Software is an award-winning video game developer known for the creation of original mega-hit franchises, including Borderlands and Brothers in Arms, which have each earned critical acclaim and have been bought by millions of people worldwide.

"Fifteen years ago, Duke Nukem 3D helped launch my professional video game development career," said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. "The Gearbox Software team and I are ecstatic that we have grown to a position to be able to pick up and carry the torch and help Duke rise back to glory in his time of need. Fans of the legendary hero and all the incredible talent that have ever helped him all deserve the very best support that we can bring. Please join me in supporting Duke in his triumphant return so that we may all enjoy the unique, one-in-million entertainment experience that only Duke Nukem can bring."

Since its inception in 1991, Duke Nukem has evolved into one of the most iconic brands in the history of video games. The Duke Nukem franchise is renowned for uniquely engaging and entertaining millions of gamers by providing them with highly explosive content and entertaining gameplay mixed with waggish humor. Franchise highlights include Duke Nukem 3D in 1997 and Duke Nukem : Manhattan Project in 2002.

"Gearbox was handpicked as the new home for Duke Nukem because of their continued passion, commitment and long-time heritage with the brand and 3D Realms. Gearbox and Duke Nukem make for a devastating match made in video game heaven," commented Scott Miller, co-founder of 3D Realms. "The gaming community's love and demand for the Duke Nukem brand never wavered and Gearbox will not disappoint them. As you have seen from titles such as Borderlands, Gearbox will bring the right level of addictively compelling gameplay, humor and high powered explosive action to the franchise. Duke Nukem is back and will be bigger than ever."

"Gearbox was the only home appropriate for the Duke Nukem brand. They are very talented and possess the perfect perspective and understanding of the brand. Their vision for its future direction is exciting and unbelievable. I am personally cannot wait for fans to see their unique take on the franchise," said George Broussard, co-founder of 3D Realms. "This will be a win-win situation for everyone involved, especially the fans."

The first product to be available under the Duke Nukem brand will be the long awaited Duke Nukem Forever. Duke Nukem Forever will be published by 2K Games, which has exclusive, long-term publishing rights to the game and is expected to launch in 2011 on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. Duke Nukem Forever will bring players back into the Duke Nukem universe with memorable ass-kicking mayhem for the millions of fans who have been anticipating its arrival over the past decade.

For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, please visit www.Duke Nukem .com.