The young developer has now purchased its biggest inspiration.
Update: Apogee has clarified the matter, saying in a tweet that “for the record [Interceptor Entertainment] did not acquire [Apogee Software] or any of the assets associated with us including [Rise of the Triad]”. It seems that most of the confusion stems from the fact that Apogee Software, LLC (which owns Rise of the Triad and Apogee Software, Ltd (which currently operates under the 3D Realms name) are two separate legal entities.
Original Story: Back in 2010, a group of modders announced a remake of Duke Nukem 3D using the Unreal Engine 3. While that project never saw the light of day, the team, now called Interceptor Entertainment, eventually did get to remake another classic, Rise of the Triad. Now, Interceptor CEO Frederik Schreiber announced that his company has outright acquired the original Duke developer 3D Realms and its sister company Apogee Software.
“With this acquisition, we aim to strengthen 3D Realms and protect the legend that it is,” said newly-appointed 3D Realms CEO Mike Nielsen. “The brand itself is very valuable, and we want to ensure the survival and return to the level at which it is renowned.” With this acquisition, Interceptor also gets the rights to classics like Commander Keen and Shadow Warrior (which was also remade recently).
The odd bit here is that Interceptor and 3D Realms are currently embroiled in a lawsuit with Gearbox over the recently announced Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction RPG. While Interceptor had an agreement with 3D Realms to develop it, Gearbox claims that 3D Realms only had the rights to re-release older Duke titles, not actually develop new ones. Gearbox acquired those rights when they purchased Duke Nukem Forever.
The whole situation reminds me of when Wizards of the Coast purchased their idols, TSR. However in this case, the only thing 3D Realms has been doing is licensing old properties (like Rise of the Triad). Apogee was responsible for a huge number of my childhood favorites. If Interceptor does anything with these moldering properties, it’ll be more than Apogee itself ever did. I guess a Monster Bash remake’s too much to ask for?
