Apogee revived!

JobivanHiob · 07-14-2008, 07:31 AM

thanks to Kristian who informed me about this issue some weeks ago and thanks to Apogeesoftware they finally made the revive of Apogee public

the press release

Quote:

Dallas, TX - July 14, 2008 – Apogee Software is back to re-establish itself as an innovative leader in interactive entertainment. Apogee is reviving some of its legacy catalogue of 30+ releases as well as publishing all-new properties in collaboration with diverse creators and developers.

Apogee is bringing the King of Action himself, Duke Nukem™, to the handheld console market with three new missions, together called the Duke Nukem Trilogy™. Apogee Software is producing the Trilogy under an exclusive license agreement with 3D Realms and MachineWorks Northwest LLC. The Trilogy is comprised of three episodes: Critical Mass™, Chain Reaction™, and Proving Grounds™.

“This marks a new beginning for a famous publisher with a history of market-making innovation,” said Terry Nagy, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Apogee. “I can't think of a better character than Duke or a better franchise than the Trilogy to usher in a new era for Apogee.”

Apogee pioneered the shareware game revolution in 1987 by inventing the concept of game demos, distributed online, which advertised the remaining episodes in a series. Before this time, game demos and episodic releases were unheard of. These concepts created by Apogee have become mainstream today.

“It's funny how what's old is new again in this industry,” remarked Apogee co-founder, Scott Miller. “Many of the things Apogee pioneered are back in style, so it only makes sense to bring back Apogee and its properties with a visionary team that will once again create innovation for gamers around the world.”

About Apogee
Apogee Software, LLC, is a privately held Texas company, with a core team of industry experts in game development, publishing, and distribution. Apogee builds franchises around original IP, developing and publishing content for retail and digital distribution on next-generation consoles, the PC, and mobile platforms. Apogee's amazing history includes the original releases of Commander Keen™ (1990), Duke Nukem™ (1991), Wolfenstein 3-D™ (1992), Raptor™ (1993), and Rise of the Triad™ (1994), just to name a few. For more information, please visit www.apogeesoftware.com.

About Machineworks Northwest LLC
MachineWorks Northwest LLC is an award-winning mobile and handheld console game developer. Voted "Best Mobile Developer 2007" and "Best Graphics Technology 2007" by IGN Wireless, MachineWorks is well known for its mobile adaptation of the Duke Nukem Universe (IGN Editor's Choice) and the development of Prey3D Mobile, VGA Video Game Award's 2007 "Best Mobile Game of the Year." Prey3D Mobile also took home a special "Best Visual Design" award and was nominated for an Academy of Interactive Sciences (AIAS) award in 2007. MWNW holds the exclusive mobile and handheld rights to Duke Nukem. For more information, visit www.machineworksnorthwest.com.

Iggy · 07-14-2008, 07:39 AM

Awesome, can't wait for Duke Nukem DS.

Jinroh · 07-14-2008, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iggy

Awesome, can't wait for Duke Nukem DS.

Ditto! This is gonna be sweet.

07-14-2008, 07:44 AM

So the Duke Nukem for the DS rumors were true.

JobivanHiob · 07-14-2008, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Apogee Software, LLC, is a privately held Texas company, with a core team of industry experts in game development, publishing, and distribution. Apogee builds franchises around original IP, developing and publishing content for retail and digital distribution on next-generation consoles, the PC, and mobile platforms.

Isn't that the same that Radar does?!

blizzart · 07-14-2008, 08:14 AM

AWESOME!!!
Now I have to buy a DS or PSP.

Micki! · 07-14-2008, 08:20 AM

News are on Duke4.net
http://www.duke4.net/news.php?extend.205.5

I notified several major Gaming news networks about this as well, i hope to see them post these news very soon as well.

BTW
This is awesome, i might just get a PSP and a DS just for this, i really would..!

Jinroh · 07-14-2008, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blizzart

AWESOME!!!
Now I have to buy a DS or PSP.

I'd give my suggestion on which to get but that would probably start a flame war.

TBZ · 07-14-2008, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinroh

I'd give my suggestion on which to get but that would probably start a flame war.

Maybe on forums with a lot of idiots like GT/GameSpot, but you can have an opinion on 3DR without being flamed to death.

JobivanHiob · 07-14-2008, 08:24 AM

these german websites have got the news gamingxp, gameswelt, pcgames, gamecaptain, demonews. onlinewelten and 4 players...the world wants Duke!

Kalki · 07-14-2008, 08:36 AM

Micki! · 07-14-2008, 08:38 AM

I'm in love with that picture too Kalki...
In a totally non-homosexual way..!

JobivanHiob · 07-14-2008, 08:42 AM

they both look the same!

Blade Nightflame · 07-14-2008, 09:04 AM

3DR gained a massive reputation boost in my opinion. <3

Jinroh · 07-14-2008, 09:05 AM

Yeah, they do look similar. I love the one there with the duke and the explosion it's really kickin'!

I wanna know about their publishing end too.

JobivanHiob · 07-14-2008, 09:14 AM

3D Realms is behind Apogee now

c' mon you do not want Apogee to beat you 3D Realms

Retodon8 · 07-14-2008, 09:29 AM

Officially they're still Apogee; 3DR is just another name the company uses.
In general usage (interviews, press releases, etc.) Apogee/3DR always refer to themselves as 3DR, as if Apogee doesn't exist anymore.
I didn't expect them to ever use "Apogee" again to be honest.
I suppose this means this game won't have 3D gameplay, which isn't a bad thing.
If they wanted to release it as Pinball Wizards, their third name, I'd shrug, but wouldn't really mind either.

Anyway, this piece of new is not very informative...
I don't have a DS or PSP myself, but I know someone close-ish with a DS, so maybe I can play on his computer.
Waiting for more info on this, obviously.

Daedolon · 07-14-2008, 09:35 AM

This is really awesome news. Now I've got 6 more Duke Nukem games on my to-buy list.

Zztx · 07-14-2008, 10:39 AM

I'd kill for a portable Raptor.

But more importantly... portable Boppin'???

Parkar · 07-14-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JobivanHiob

Isn't that the same that Radar does?!

No, Radar is a "producer", the new Apogee Software is a publisher and 3D Realms (still legaly the old Apogee Software) is a developer. Still it's an interesting move since it could potentially be more confusing then if it was all one company.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retodon8

Officially they're still Apogee; 3DR is just another name the company uses.
In general usage (interviews, press releases, etc.) Apogee/3DR always refer to themselves as 3DR, as if Apogee doesn't exist anymore.
I didn't expect them to ever use "Apogee" again to be honest.
I suppose this means this game won't have 3D gameplay, which isn't a bad thing.
If they wanted to release it as Pinball Wizards, their third name, I'd shrug, but wouldn't really mind either.

Anyway, this piece of new is not very informative...
I don't have a DS or PSP myself, but I know someone close-ish with a DS, so maybe I can play on his computer.
Waiting for more info on this, obviously.

As I mentioned above this is a new company and not just some brand of 3D Realms. In other words there are now two Apogee Software one calling them self 3D Realms.

Daedolon · 07-14-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zztx

I'd kill for a portable Raptor.

Tons of these:

Me wants!

Iggy · 07-14-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daedolon

Tons of these:

Me wants!

I personally would love a "Wacky Wheels DS" or "Rise of the Triad DS" game.

Parkar · 07-14-2008, 10:52 AM

I wonder how this plays into the whole arcade version of Duke 3D. Maybe this is why the game has not been announced yet.

Daedolon · 07-14-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iggy

I personally would love a "Wacky Wheels DS" or "Rise of the Triad DS" game.

If they'd support the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection and you could search players to compete worldwide, in theory, it should double the sales of the Nintendo DS console

Kristian Joensen · 07-14-2008, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parkar

No, Radar is a "producer", the new Apogee Software is a publisher and 3D Realms (still legaly the old Apogee Software) is a developer. Still it's an interesting move since it could potentially be more confusing then if it was all one company.

As I mentioned above this is a new company and not just some brand of 3D Realms. In other words there are now two Apogee Software one calling them self 3D Realms.

Yeah, there is one Apogee Software, Ltd(going by the name 3D Realms Entertainment) and one Apogee Software, LLC, which is this revived company.

peoplessi · 07-14-2008, 11:25 AM

What is the relation between Apogee Software Ltd. and Apogee Software LLC?

Needle · 07-14-2008, 11:25 AM

Quote:

The rebirth of the studio that pioneered episodic gaming and online distribution...

That's a very... creative interpretation off what Apogee did back then. Also, doesn't really make a lot of sense when the first thing they announce are a bunch of DS/PSP games.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this.

Kristian Joensen · 07-14-2008, 11:34 AM

Not really with the fomer, perhaps the latter. As far the the platforms goes:

Quote:

Apogee, which, pioneered digital distribution back in the 1980’s will continue its proud tradition of bringing top quality PC games direct to the consumer via digital distribution while at the same time expanding its publication muscle into next generation consoles.

Jinroh · 07-14-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Needle

That's a very... creative interpretation off what Apogee did back then. Also, doesn't really make a lot of sense when the first thing they announce are a bunch of DS/PSP games.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this.

:ROFLCOPTER:

Well it's all business at the end of the day, whatever makes them money, but I'm really interested in how they're gonna handle Indie Publishing because a lot of their best sellers came from average Joe's like Joe and myself lol.

Kristian Joensen · 07-14-2008, 11:37 AM

How is this for a way of handling "indie" publishing ?

Jinroh · 07-14-2008, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristian Joensen

How is this for a way of handling "indie" publishing ?

lol. I read that already, sorry I should have been more specific. I was talking about Avertisment, (Ad-Vertiz-Ment) how much of a cut, file hosting, web page hosting, etc. The fluffy parts of publishing. Knowing Apogee/3DR they'll have the whole professional package. I'm just curious about all they have lined up in that respect or if it's case by case, but knowing 3DR's Professionalism yeah. It'll be good.

Just the why not go with Garage Games or Big Fish Games type of deal. I mean it's Apogee so that alone should do it just want more details.

alexgk · 07-14-2008, 11:52 AM

Very excited for this one!

The Doctor · 07-14-2008, 11:56 AM

This suggests there is less work to do on DNF

Jinroh · 07-14-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Doctor

This suggests there is less work to do on DNF

Wow, that's good logic, but then again you are a doctor.

Amakou · 07-14-2008, 01:04 PM

I'm a little confused, what is the relation to 3DRealms...?

~Amakou~

Jinroh · 07-14-2008, 01:06 PM

Apogee was the name of 3DR back in the old days it's like the 'Parent' and 3DR is the child type of thing. They created 3DR as an offshoot of Apogee for the hip new 3D games.

However, legally all things are still through Apogee as far as I recall.

Amakou · 07-14-2008, 01:08 PM

Well I know 3DRealms was Apogee, so what does that mean? Apogee was never completely gone? Who's in charge of Apogee now?

~Amakou~

Jinroh · 07-14-2008, 01:11 PM

Yeah, it was kinda running in the background as the main company name and stuff.

3DR
-----------
Apogee <--Legal Stuff

I'm pretty sure the same people who are in charge of 3DR are in charge of Apogee. It's just like a different Brand name type of deal.

Joe Siegler · 07-14-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristian Joensen

Yeah, there is one Apogee Software, Ltd(going by the name 3D Realms Entertainment) and one Apogee Software, LLC, which is this revived company.

Apogee Software, Ltd is the formal on paper name of the company I work for. We have an official dba name of 3D Realms (and another inactive one of Pinball Wizards). Apogee Software, LLC is the "new Apogee" (my terminology to help keep it separate in my own head) headed by Terry. Basically we weren't using the old name anymore, so it was licensed to the LLC Apogee. The new products will be handled by Apogee LLC.

It's somewhat confusing - even to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Doctor

This suggests there is less work to do on DNF

I fail to see how that is relevant. In fact, it's not. This is no different than things like Prey, Earth No More, Scott's Radar stuff, etc. It has no impact on DNF at all. Whether we have one month or 5 more years of DNF development to go, this new stuff today has no bearing on DNF in any way.

Jinroh · 07-14-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Siegler

Apogee Software, Ltd is the formal on paper name of the company I work for. We have an official dba name of 3D Realms. Apogee Software, LLC is the "new Apogee" (my terminology to help keep it separate in my own head) headed by Terry. Basically we weren't using the old name anymore, so it was licensed to the LLC Apogee. The new products will be handled by Apogee LLC.

It's somewhat confusing - even to me.

Thanks Joe, that explains it a bit better than I could.

07-14-2008, 07:44 AM	#4
The Stinger Guest	Re: Apogee revived! So the Duke Nukem for the DS rumors were true.

07-14-2008, 07:39 AM	#2
Iggy	Re: Apogee revived! Awesome, can't wait for Duke Nukem DS. __________________ Duke4Ever \|\| The Game Collector's Market - Forum for game collectors. "That Nordbergian wench could be a handful! Several." - Gnarl (Overlord 2)

07-14-2008, 08:14 AM	#6
blizzart	Re: Apogee revived! AWESOME!!! Now I have to buy a DS or PSP.

07-14-2008, 08:20 AM	#7
Micki!	Re: Apogee revived! News are on Duke4.net http://www.duke4.net/news.php?extend.205.5 I notified several major Gaming news networks about this as well, i hope to see them post these news very soon as well. BTW This is awesome, i might just get a PSP and a DS just for this, i really would..! __________________ A true genius does not need boundaries such as 'common sense'

07-14-2008, 08:24 AM	#10
JobivanHiob	Re: Apogee revived! these german websites have got the news gamingxp, gameswelt, pcgames, gamecaptain, demonews. onlinewelten and 4 players...the world wants Duke! __________________ Stay up to date with http://dukewatch.blogspot.com for the UNEXPECTED and PREPARE YOURSELF for SHOCK and AWESOME on Penny Arcade EXPO from September 3-5! Onebullit: "If DNF comes out in 2010 i will buy 2 copies and send you one." pjVgt regading DNF at PAX:"I would seriously shit my pants and pre-order three copies - one will be sent to Jobi" Last edited by JobivanHiob; 07-14-2008 at 08:36 AM.

07-14-2008, 08:36 AM	#11
Kalki	Re: Apogee revived! __________________ "Gentlemen, generations to follow will see us as the first pioneers of the internet. They will look upon our days as those of brave spirits and free ideals - where men were men, women were men and children were the FBI." Free Speech

07-14-2008, 08:38 AM	#12
Micki!	Re: Apogee revived! I'm in love with that picture too Kalki... In a totally non-homosexual way..! __________________ A true genius does not need boundaries such as 'common sense'

07-14-2008, 08:42 AM	#13
JobivanHiob	Re: Apogee revived! they both look the same! __________________ Stay up to date with http://dukewatch.blogspot.com for the UNEXPECTED and PREPARE YOURSELF for SHOCK and AWESOME on Penny Arcade EXPO from September 3-5! Onebullit: "If DNF comes out in 2010 i will buy 2 copies and send you one." pjVgt regading DNF at PAX:"I would seriously shit my pants and pre-order three copies - one will be sent to Jobi"

07-14-2008, 09:04 AM	#14
Blade Nightflame	Re: Apogee revived! 3DR gained a massive reputation boost in my opinion. <3 __________________

07-14-2008, 09:05 AM	#15
Jinroh	Re: Apogee revived! Yeah, they do look similar. I love the one there with the duke and the explosion it's really kickin'! I wanna know about their publishing end too.

07-14-2008, 09:14 AM	#16
JobivanHiob	Re: Apogee revived! 3D Realms is behind Apogee now c' mon you do not want Apogee to beat you 3D Realms __________________ Stay up to date with http://dukewatch.blogspot.com for the UNEXPECTED and PREPARE YOURSELF for SHOCK and AWESOME on Penny Arcade EXPO from September 3-5! Onebullit: "If DNF comes out in 2010 i will buy 2 copies and send you one." pjVgt regading DNF at PAX:"I would seriously shit my pants and pre-order three copies - one will be sent to Jobi"

07-14-2008, 09:29 AM	#17
Retodon8	Re: Apogee revived! Officially they're still Apogee; 3DR is just another name the company uses. In general usage (interviews, press releases, etc.) Apogee/3DR always refer to themselves as 3DR, as if Apogee doesn't exist anymore. I didn't expect them to ever use "Apogee" again to be honest. I suppose this means this game won't have 3D gameplay, which isn't a bad thing. If they wanted to release it as Pinball Wizards, their third name, I'd shrug, but wouldn't really mind either. Anyway, this piece of new is not very informative... I don't have a DS or PSP myself, but I know someone close-ish with a DS, so maybe I can play on his computer. Waiting for more info on this, obviously. __________________ Retodon8 Sheep happens!

07-14-2008, 09:35 AM	#18
Daedolon	Re: Apogee revived! This is really awesome news. Now I've got 6 more Duke Nukem games on my to-buy list. __________________ Duke Hard - 17 map episode for Duke Nukem 3D.

07-14-2008, 10:39 AM	#19
Zztx	Re: Apogee revived! I'd kill for a portable Raptor. But more importantly... portable Boppin'??? __________________ "God damn it, you've got to be kind." - Kurt Vonnegut

07-14-2008, 10:52 AM	#23
Parkar	Re: Apogee revived! I wonder how this plays into the whole arcade version of Duke 3D. Maybe this is why the game has not been announced yet. __________________ Action Unreal Tournament Duke Nukem 3D: High Resolution Pack HRP wiki: A HRP development tool

07-14-2008, 11:25 AM	#26
peoplessi	Re: Apogee revived! What is the relation between Apogee Software Ltd. and Apogee Software LLC? __________________ Duke Nukem Forever Who am I to judge?

07-14-2008, 11:37 AM	#30
Kristian Joensen	Re: Apogee revived! How is this for a way of handling "indie" publishing ? __________________ The Philosophy Of Liberty, Chaos Theory Tachyons, Time Travel, and Divine Omniscience A Refutation of Moral Relativism(Transcript)

07-14-2008, 11:52 AM	#32
alexgk	Re: Apogee revived! Very excited for this one! __________________ Playable demo this year! Confirmed!!

07-14-2008, 11:56 AM	#33
The Doctor	Re: Apogee revived! This suggests there is less work to do on DNF __________________ In the Realms of the Third, a lost Hero be. One day He will return, and Babes again be free.

07-14-2008, 01:04 PM	#35
Amakou	Re: Apogee revived! I'm a little confused, what is the relation to 3DRealms...? ~Amakou~ __________________ I'm a Hitman fan It'll be done When It's Done!

07-14-2008, 01:06 PM	#36
Jinroh	Re: Apogee revived! Apogee was the name of 3DR back in the old days it's like the 'Parent' and 3DR is the child type of thing. They created 3DR as an offshoot of Apogee for the hip new 3D games. However, legally all things are still through Apogee as far as I recall.

07-14-2008, 01:08 PM	#37
Amakou	Re: Apogee revived! Well I know 3DRealms was Apogee, so what does that mean? Apogee was never completely gone? Who's in charge of Apogee now? ~Amakou~ __________________ I'm a Hitman fan It'll be done When It's Done!

07-14-2008, 01:11 PM	#38
Jinroh	Re: Apogee revived! Yeah, it was kinda running in the background as the main company name and stuff. 3DR ----------- Apogee <--Legal Stuff I'm pretty sure the same people who are in charge of 3DR are in charge of Apogee. It's just like a different Brand name type of deal.