Embracer CEO and co-founder Lars Wingefors said, “Today’s announcement marks the result of the final structured divestment process and is an important step in transforming Embracer into the future with notably lower net debt and improved free cash flow. Through the transaction, we lower business risk and improve profitability as we transition to becoming a leaner and more focused company.

“After evaluating several options for Gearbox, I am happy that we have reached a solution that is in the best interest of all stakeholders. Randy and the team have been great team members throughout the past years, and I would like to thank them all for that. As one of the world’s greatest games developers, I am confident that Gearbox will continue to innovate and thrive in their new home within Take-Two.”

Gearbox Entertainment CEO Randy Pitchford added, ”As a significant long-term Embracer Group shareholder, I believe in the strategy for the Embracer Group and am completely convinced that this transaction is the best possible scenario and an obvious net positive arrangement for Embracer Group, for Take-Two and, of course, for Gearbox Entertainment.

“My primary interest is always Gearbox, especially our talent and customers. I want to personally assure fans of our games that this arrangement will ensure that the experiences we have in development at Gearbox will be the best they can possibly be.”

Take-Two is no stranger to working with Gearbox, having published the Borderlands series, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, the underwhelming Battleborn and long-in-development Duke Nukem Forever under its 2K Games label. Gearbox’s sale follows that of Saber Interactive, recently acquired by a private investor group, and nearly a year of studio closures and layoffs at Embracer.

As for the future of Gearbox, it’s reportedly working on Borderlands 4, with leadership rumored to have faced a reshuffling, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands 2, which allegedly saw a “soft” reboot. Stay tuned for more details and potential announcements in the coming months.

The franchise first got its start with the eponymous Duke Nukem in 1991. The franchise is most known for 3D level progression much in the same way that Doom or Quake games play, but it actually got its start as a 2D scrolling platformer. wherein the player navigates Duke to the end of the level, all the while managing his health bar and collecting enhancements for health or weapons, It was a game whose story is told in three episodes, with Duke Nukem pursuing the evil Dr. Proton through Los Angeles, a base on the moon, and in the future in the first, second, and third episodes, respectively.

This game was followed up by Duke Nukem II in 1993, and would be another 2D scrolling platformer, following Duke Nukem as he fights against an evil alien race who seek to take over the Earth across four episodes, each with eight levels. The game features four different kinds of usable weapons. Visually it shares great resemblance to the first game, but mission progression differs noticeably, and features interactable environments such as climbing across pipes as part of playing through stages. Interestingly, besides releasing on computers, it also released for the GameBoy Color, and offered a different gameplay experience altogether – a different enemy alien race, fewer stages, but different weapons, and in this game, Duke Nukem can hang onto ledges.

It would be with Duke Nukem 3D that the franchise and its reputation would really take off. It’s the franchise’s first first-person-shooter, and sits amongst a pantheon of pivotal computer FPS’s such as Quake, Doom, and Wolfenstein 3D for their popularizing of 3D shooter action games. Compared to games such as Quake or Doom, Duke Nukem 3D is noticeably less linear, with destructible stage elements and the ability to interact with environmental elements such as climbing through air ducts.

Duke Nukem 3D also incorporates game design ideas that noticeably differ it from its franchise predecessors, such as a portable medkit that allows Duke Nukem to himself at will. Another evolution of note from its predecessors for the series is the introduction of online multiplayer, in line with the other computer-based popular shooters of the day. Players can play on levels used in the main scenario or on levels made by the level editor included with the game – the same one used by the game’s developers, and the option for co-operative progression through the game’s main scenario was also an option. Duke Nukem 3D, and the first two Duke Nukem games, have all been developed by the same company – while 3D Realms is listed as the developer for Duke Nukem 3D, it is also the name that Apogee Software took on after 1996.

And while Duke Nukem 3D would be followed up by a host of other spinoffs following its release, there would not be a proper sequel for quite some time – not until 2011, with Duke Nukem Forever. Not that this was intended to be the case – as it was initially announced back in 1997, but was delayed and even one officially cancelled at one point in 2009 – though development continued in spite of that. 3D Realms, responsible for the development of the influential Duke Nukem 3D, did not end up completing the game themselves, but Triptych Games and Gearbox Software would finish the job, with Triptych containing some personnel from original Duke Nukem developers 3D Realms. Duke Nukem Forever features interesting deviations from past games, including the way health works – first, Duke Nukem’s ego bar must be depleted, and then his health bar can be depleted.

Duke Nukem Forever was also treated to a DLC expansion called The Doctor Who Cloned Me, an additional scenario campaign featuring the villain Dr. Proton from the first Duke Nukem game. While Forever left the door open for a sequel, the reviews for the game were negative across the board, with the game being seen as dated both in its gameplay design and regressive or offensive in its humor. It was also seen as a weak gameplay experience, plagued by poor controls and too long loading times. The game plays slowly despite trying to harken back to the shooters that 3D released alongside (and despite not containing more movement sophistication associated with more modern shooters, such as cover mechanics,).

This all said and done, it would turn out that Duke Nukem Forever holds the longest ever development time for a video game, a time marked by repeated releases of promotional media – 14 years and 44 days. Rather than a strong return to form, the game is mostly known for a comically long development time and for being disappointing upon release.

The Duke Nukem franchise has also been host to a variety of spinoff games. Releasing in 1998 on the Playstation is Duke Nukem: Time To Kill. This game was not developed by 3D Realms, but by n-Space. Following that in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 is Duke Nukem: Zero Hour, developed by Eurocom – known for their work on certain 007 titles. However, while 007 Goldeneye is seen as an N64 classic, this game released to mediocre reviews.The last main spinoff for the Duke Nukem franchise would be Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project, originally releasing for PC in 2002. It is a game that plays in 2.5D, and allows for the player to focus zoom on either the environment or on enemies, and at times allowing the use of jetpack for traversal.

While Duke Nukem Forever teased a seqyel, the future doesn’t seem good for another new game at all. In a statement dated April 2017, Gearbox made it clear that they have no plans to work on another Duke Nukem game anytime soon, after discussing Duke Nukem’s cameo appearance in Bulletstorm. It’s a rather strange turn of fate for a franchise littered with cancelled projects, signaling the once great interest in continuing the life of the franchise. The voice actor for Duke Nukem, outright stated in a Twitter post at the end of this past January that there is nothing in the works for Duke Nukem.

We can hope that the fates of the character change in the future, but in order to do so, the character very likely has to evolve and find a place in the modern gaming landscape, rather than playing to gameplay experiences or humor sensibilities associated with the past. What do you think is needed for a new Duke Nukem game to succeed? While there are a variety of other shooter franchises that are active, Duke Nukem is notable for being both a shooter and placing heavy emphasis on its protagonist. Let us know in the comments section below. As always – thanks for reading.

Gearbox Software may have suffered a disappointment this year with the long-awaited Battleborn but it isn’t deterred. CEO Randy Pitchford noted that the studio wold have something that fans would enjoy on December 1st.

When a fan on Twitter noted that Duke Nukem crossed with Gears of War would be “bad-ass”, Pitchford replied, “On December 1st, we are announcing something you might really enjoy.”

This is the same day as The Game Awards which obviously leads us to believe that some of kind of announcement or game reveal is in store. It wouldn’t be the first time something like this happened and at The Game Awards of all places!

Though the safe bet is a Duke Nukem-related announcement, it could be that Gearbox finally unveils some details on the next Borderlands. The latter is a long shot but here’s hoping all the same. What do you hope to see announced? Let us know in the comments below.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization. 

King of Fighters

At one point, the King of Fighters was set to have a character that resembled Tetsuo from the movie Akira. The character’s voice actor was even hired for the process. It’s hard to not see the similarities but we’re guessing due to copyright issues, this character was changed to Nameless from King of Fighters 2002 onwards.

The ongoing lawsuit between the creator and former owner of the Duke Nukem franchise, 3D Realms, as well as the present owner of the IP Gearbox Software, has now come to an end- both the companies appear to have come to a settlement on the issue, and it seems as though Gearbox will retain full rights to the franchise, though 3D Realms and Interceptor will be allowed to release Duke Nukem Mass Destruction.

“We never intended to cause any harm to Gearbox or Duke, which is why we immediately ceased development after Gearbox reached out,” a joint statement issued by 3D Realms and Gearbox said.

“To secure the future of Duke, 3D Realms has agreed with Gearbox that a single home serves the IP best. And as big Duke fans, we’re excited to see what Gearbox has in store for the ‘King.’ As for our own games, we’re eager to complete development of the ‘Bombshell’ game and get it in the hands of our fans.”

Of course, it remains to be seen whether Gearbox will actually do something with the Duke Nukem IP- studio boss Randy Pitchford seems to have been hinting at a new game in the franchise for a while now, but for now, Duke Nukem Forever is the only ‘modern’ thing the franchise has done in ages.

Gearbox Software isn’t done with the Duke Nukem franchise just yet. Boss Randy Pitchford recently spoke at the Develop 2015 conference (as reported by Eurogamer) and revealed that it would like to work with another developer to bring a new Duke Nukem game to life..

“I did not acquire the franchise merely so people could experience Duke Nukem Forever. That was, sort of, the toll to pay to give Duke Nukem a chance at a future.

“So yes. In fact, we’ve done some concept development. The challenge is that Gearbox is very busy. A faster way would be if the correct developer would become interested and we’d work with them.”

“I think that’s it’s a challenging problem, but there’s no doubt that, when it does happen, the entire industry will turn its head. Getting attention in this industry is one of the hardest things to do.”

Will it end up being better than Duke Nukem Forever, which was in development at 3D Realms for 10 years before being acquired by Gearbox and pretty much released as is to middling acclaim? One can only hope.

3D Realms, the people who brought us Duke Nukem 3D, along with Interceptor,  the creators of 2013’s Rise of the Triad, comes Bombshell, a new isometric action role playing game for the PC and the PlayStation 4. Bombshell sees bomb-disposal-specialist-turned-mercenary-for-hire, Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison, strong-arm her away across four planets in an Unreal Engine-powered galactic adventure to rescue the president of the United States of America from an apocalyptic alien threat. Bombshell promises imaginative enemy design as well as an array of weaponry that crosses genre boundaries and creates a hybrid experience such as one never seen before.

The trailer that you see above will show you many of the features of this upcoming game, including the dangerous, brave new world that the title is set in, its isometric gameplay layout, its storyline, and yes, the metallic arm that the protagonist Shelly wears.

Bombshell represents a new IP opportunity for 3D Realms, who are currently embroiled in a lawsuit over the use of the Duke Nukem brand.

“Lawsuits take time, and are often a long, drawn-out process. Meanwhile, we wanted to be productive — our creative team couldn’t wait around for the issue to be resolved,” their statement on the official website reads. “Ultimately, we saw it as the opportunity to create our own intellectual property, and Bombshell was born. So far, it’s been a blast.

“It’s impossible to say what will happen in regards to our previous project. It might return, it might not. We want to make great games without sacrificing our integrity, andBombshell allows us to do that beautifully.”

Gearbox Software recently filed a lawsuit against 3D Realms, claiming that 3D Realms’ newest upcoming Duke Nukem games were a breach of contract and a violation of Gearbox’s IP rights- apparently Gearbox owns the Duke Nukem brand now.

But 3D Realms insists that is not the case- not only did the original contract stipulate that 3D Realms was committed to finishing a game called Duke Nukem Survivor (which apparently became Duke Nukem Mass Destruction, the game that caused this lawsuit), but that 3D Realms owns the rights to the Duke Nukem IP anyway.

So… which is it? Who owns the IP? Who owns the rights? The saga of Duke Nukem is like a cheap, horrific CW soap opera, with more twists, backstabbing, and intrigue than real life should have. Can they all just figure out who the brand belongs to once and for all, and then put it to rest? It’s not like the IP is worth a damn now anyway.

[Destructoid]

A new teaser site was put up, called AllOutOfGum.com, and it had a slow count down that was teasing to something big on February 25; we knew this was related to Duke Nukem, not just because of the site name (because duh), but also because it had artwork showing an “Original Kick-Ass” pack of bubblegum, which, again, duh.

The site decided to try and engage the community by asking fans to boost the Facebook page to 10,000 Likes to reveal something that was only visible on the site as some alien code, but apparently, the code was easy enough to break, and someone managed to spoil the surprise for everybody:

“The King makes his next-generation debut in Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction. A top-down action role-playing game for PC and PlayStation.

“Duke Nukem kicks ass across planets in an Unreal Engine-powered galactic adventure to save the President from an apocalyptic alien threat.”

Promised are many ‘series first features,’ such as tech trees and experience points, which sounds kind of sad when you think about it, but hey.

We’ll keep you posted when it is officially announced.

[Eurogamer]

However, all is not lost. Gearbox has acquired the franchise now, and they mean to make more Duke games. And it’s not as if some parts of Duke Nukem Forever weren’t fun. Who knows, with the talent Gearbox has got, they might actually be able to salvage the franchise, bring it back from the grave.

But what must be done to ensure that Duke’s next outing isn’t as pathetic as Duke Nukem Forever? Will, we have compiled a list of seven things we believe Gearbox must do (or not do) in the next Duke game for it to be actually good enough to redeem the franchise. So enjoy the list, and tell us what you want to see in the next Duke game, and how you like our suggestions, via your comments below.

Don’t go overboard with the cheesy dialogue

Duke Nukem is know for his cheesy, over-the-top dialogues, but DNF took it a bit too far. Some of his quotes were cringe worthy, too perverted or in your face, and the fact that the voice acting was horrendous did not make it any less crass. We don’t want Duke to become a saint in Duke Nukem 5, but we do want his to return to his original glory, with dialogues as awesome and balanced as they were in Duke Nukem 3D.

It’s a shooter, give us more shooting sections

Skip to 00:59. That’s one of the few shooting sections in the game, and that’s not even a shooting section. You get my point? Duke Nukem Forever was supposed to be a First Person Shooter, but it had little to no shooting, and the little bit that it did have was horrible. There was no “oomph” in the shooting, and the feedback was just terrible. Next time, we don’t just want an actual shooter, we want a good shooter.

No more platforming or terribad driving

Not only did Duke sound like an irritating insect in those “tiny Duke” driving sections, the handling of the cars was also pretty bad, and it was just plain boring. And the platforming sections… don’t even get me started on them. The controls and the physics of the game are already broken, and we’re supposed to do platforming with those? The worst part is that they comprised the majority of the game. Do us a favour, Gearbox, and remove the platforming and driving sections in the next Duke game, and if not, then at least make them good. And don’t go overboard with them.

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