Interceptor Entertainment acquires 3D Realms

UPDATE: Interceptor Entertainment has clarified that the acquisition of Apogee Software, Ltd. d.b.a 3D Realms was by SDN Invest, the studio's part-owner and principal investor. Mike Nielsen, the new CEO of 3D Realms, is also the founder and chairman of the board at SDN.

“My long time partner George Broussard and I are extremely proud of our past, especially as developers who always tried to partner with up-and-coming studios who just needed their break," said Scott Miller, co-founder of 3D Realms, in a statement. "Our history shows we did that throughout the 90s and 2000s, and I expect the new 3D Realms to continue with this tradition in full force. Our industry needs more good guys, who honour the profession and fellow hard-working developers."

ORIGINAL STORY: Interceptor Entertainment has acquired 3D Realms for an undisclosed fee.

According to a report in the Danish newspaper Børsen, Interceptor Entertainment, which is based in Aalborg, bought 3D Realms on the strength of its brand and IP portfolio.

"With this acquisition, we aim to strengthen 3D Realms and protect the legend that it is," said Mike Nielsen, who has been appointed the new CEO of Interceptor. "Their back-catalogue is quite large, with Duke Nukem, Commander Keen, Shadow Warrior and a number of other major franchises.

"The brand is very valuable, and we want to ensure its survival and return it to the level at which it is renowned,"

Nielsen did not reveal the value of the deal, saying only that all parties got a, "real bargain."

The legitimacy of Børsen's report was confirmed yesterday by Interceptor CEO Frederik Schreiber. "Yes, we have indeed acquired Apogee/3D Realms," he said in a tweet.

Interceptor has worked closely with 3D Realms/Apogee in the past, most prominently on a reboot of Rise of the Triad that was released last year.

However, the relationship took on a new aspect last week when it became clear that Gearbox Software was suing both companies over their co-development of a new Duke Nukem game, called "Mass Destruction."

Gearbox acquired the rights to the Duke Nukem IP when it took over the development of the famously mismanaged Duke Nukem Forever in February, 2010. The planned release of Mass Destruction has since been pulled, but Gearbox has a strong and passionately argued case against 3D Realms and Interceptor. It is seeking both an injunction and damages.