While Duke Nukem Forever was released to jeers and critical savaging, the previous 1996 title, Duke Nukem 3D, has a special place in the hearts of gamers who are of a certain age. An indie developer made of Duke fans have been working on an updated version of the classic game with modern graphics and tech called Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded.
Sounds like a dream game, but unfortunately, the team has been hit with a creative conflict by the current license holders, Gearbox Software, whom they had previously consulted with on restrictions.
According to a post on the official website: ”After careful consideration of the progress and direction of the project, Interceptor Entertainment has decided to finish Duke Nukem: Reloaded at a future date that is yet to be determined… Interceptor Entertainment still has the good will and non commercial license provided to us to use the Duke Nukem brand for our creative ambitions. We hope to resume that work again when the time is right.”
The reasoning is apparently due to a difference of opinion with Gearbox, as the statement reads: ”We are around 90% finished with the current Multiplayer version - But you have to remember, that we don’t own the game. Its done under a signed license with Gearbox Software. Which ultimately means, that we cannot do whatever we want with the project.
Its not really up to us. We have had a long conversation with Gearbox about this matter. And the fact is, that we are bound by a license. A license of an IP owned by Gearbox Software. And we can’t do much about it..”
Some are speculating that the issue might be that Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded outclasses Duke Nukem Forever, which would be an embarrassment to Gearbox and publisher Take 2, but the real reason is unknown.
Regardless, hopefully the reboot is released, just to see what the original Duke shooter might be like with today’s technology. The official Duke Nukem 3D Reloaded site can be visited here.
