If you have spent the last few years keeping an eye on the retro hardware scene, the idea of a 3DO comeback in 2026 likely sounds like a fever dream. Yet, an announcement from a company operating as Empire Interactive has reignited talk of the obscure '90s console returning to the market. Unfortunately, the situation is far from straightforward, as the claim to the brand is already embroiled in a heated dispute.
The trouble began on Monday when Empire Interactive posted a statement on LinkedIn claiming it had obtained the trademark and selected intellectual property rights of The 3DO Company. For those who need a quick history lesson: The 3DO Company was founded by EA creator Trip Hawkins and brought the first 3D console to market, backed by heavy hitters like Panasonic, LG, AT&T, and Time Warner. Despite its innovative start, a high $700 MSRP and a difficult pivot to software publishing led to its 2003 bankruptcy.
A Tangled Web of Ownership
The current claim to the 3DO brand is being led by Işık Şekercigil, who identifies as the founder of the "new" Empire Interactive. Şekercigil admits that their professional background is in the mobile gaming sector in Turkey rather than the retro industry. According to their statements, the Empire Interactive trademark was acquired through a legal firm, though they clarified that they purchased the brand asset rather than an active portfolio of intellectual properties.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the original Empire Interactive closed its doors in 2009. More importantly, another entity, Throwback Entertainment, has directly challenged the validity of this acquisition. Throwback Entertainment stated that they own the 3DO branding, assets, and the website domain, explicitly noting that these assets have not been sold, transferred, or licensed to Empire Interactive.
- Original 3DO Status: The original company filed for bankruptcy in 2003.
- Empire Interactive Claim: Işık Şekercigil claims to have acquired the 3DO trademark via a legal firm.
- Disputed Assets: Throwback Entertainment maintains they still hold the 3DO branding and domain.
- Licensing Confusion: Former Limited Run Games CEO Josh Fairhurst has publicly stated the situation appears illegitimate or likely to be contested.
The Future of 3DO Properties
Beyond the legal confusion, the strategy regarding the console's library is equally murky. While former Limited Run Games CEO Josh Fairhurst initially reached out to the new Empire Interactive claiming he owns rights to titles like Night Trap, Sewer Shark, and Corpse Killer, he has since pulled back. Fairhurst now says he is of the opinion that the situation is "not legitimate or will be highly contested."
Empire Interactive has stated they are currently in "active negotiations" for one of the major, historic 3DO properties, though they have declined to specify which ones they currently hold. They are also reportedly in discussions with various independent companies and individuals who hold rights to specific games. For now, the prospect of seeing a new, miniature version of the 3DO hardware remains a distant, and highly questionable, possibility.