On September 3, 2010, Take-Two Interactive announced that development of "Duke Nukem Forever" had been shifted over to Gearbox Software, effectively ending 3D Realms' association with the game after 12 years of stunted development. 3D Realms remained a co-developer on "Duke Nukem Forever", due to their involvement in developing most of the game. However, the rights and intellectual property were sold to Gearbox, who became the owners of the "Duke Nukem" franchise. 3D Realms retained certain rights to the "Duke Nukem" back catalogue, but transferred all rights to Gearbox Software in 2015.