3D Realms "Conflict" with Take-Two Started Years ago

This is the Time-Line of the Conflict with Take-Two

• Take-Two, the publisher, initially invested $ 12 000 000 into DNF in 2000.

• On May 20, 2003, Jeffrey Lapin, then CEO of Take-Two, told reporters that the game would not be out by the end of 2003.

• In response, George Broussard commented on Shacknews, saying that "Take-Two needs to STFU imo."

• Later in the year, on December 18, 2003, Jeffrey Lapin said that 3D Realms had told him that Duke Nukem Forever was expected to be finished by the end of 2004, or the beginning of 2005.

• In June, in a filing with the SEC, Take-Two revealed that they had renegotiated the deal and would receive $4.25 million instead of $6 million upon the release of the game. The filing also revealed that Take-Two was offering a $ 500,000 bonus if DNF was commercially released by December 31, 2006.

• Broussard denied the rumors that DNF would be released, saying that 3D Realms never cared for or asked for the bonus. He stated that he would "never ship a game early."

• In 2007, the two companies entered into a second agreement.

• May 6, 2009- 3D Realms closes.

• Duke Nukem Forever publisher Take-Two has confirms that it was not funding ongoing development of the 3D Realms project.

"We can confirm that our relationship with 3D Realms for Duke Nukem Forever was a publishing arrangement, which did not include ongoing funds for development of the title," said Take-Two VP of communications Alan Lewis in a prepared statement.
"In addition, Take-Two continues to retain the publishing rights to Duke Nukem Forever,"

• May 7, 2009- Asset leak begins with screenshots, artwork and demo reel.

• May 14, 2009- Take-Two files a lawsuit against 3D Realms, demands a copy of the DNF source code and wants to restrict leakage of assets.

3D Realms "Conflict" with Take-Two Started Years ago