After a year and a half of legal battles, Gearbox Software has emerged as the owner of the Duke Nukem franchise.

Gearbox, which published vapourware candidate Duke Nukem Forever in 2011, said in a statement that all pending litigation had been settled.

The Borderlands developer believed it had purchased the rights to the franchise in 2010, when it took over work on Duke Nukem Forever.

However, that ownership was challenged by 3D Realms and licensee Interceptor when they announced isometric ARPG Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction.

3D Realms CEO Mike Nielsen said that the company's attempt to license the Duke Nukem name was done in good faith.

“We never intended to cause any harm to Gearbox or Duke, which is why we immediately ceased development after Gearbox reached out,” he 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’."

Mass Destruction subsequently became Bombshell.

"I’m really happy that the lawsuit between Gearbox, 3DR, and Interceptor has come to an end," said Interceptor CEO Frederik Schreiber.

"Right now, I, along with my Interceptor colleagues, are busy making the finishing touches on Bombshell. We can’t wait until you guys can play it!"

In July, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford expressed his desire for the Duke Nukem franchise to continue, but said Gearbox was too busy to make the game on its own.

"I did not acquire the franchise merely so people could experience Duke Nukem Forever," he said at the time.