Gearbox Software Owns Duke Nukem... Forever.

When do we get our Duke Nukem and Claptrap crossover?

Duke Nukem Forever isn't just Gearbox Software picking up the pieces from 3D Realms and making a shippable game out of it – it's a full rebirth.

Gearbox Software is the new owners of the Duke Nukem brand and the DNF game is just the first product that it is releasing. The developer announced over the weekend that it has acquired the full intellectual property rights of the Duke Nukem brand and all future projects in a cooperative deal made with 3D Realms.

"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."

"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."

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, Xbox 360, and Windows PC.

As for what else Duke Nukem will be starring in after DNF, only Gearbox knows.