In February 2014, Gearbox sued 3D Realms, Interceptor Entertainment and Apogee Software for developing a new game called "Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction". Gearbox stated that it was still the rights holder of the "Duke Nukem" franchise, and permission had not been granted by them to develop the game. 3D Realms soon after released a statement admitting its wrongdoing. The lawsuit was settled in August 2015, with Gearbox stressing that it was still the lawful owner of the "Duke Nukem" intellectual property.