Is there anyone here who could persuade ID to make keen 7-9 "The universe is toast" or maybe let some other professional computer game developers get the rights for the game? The Commander Keen main series would then be much more complete. They could use the same engine as they used on keen4-6, or they could make something completely new to the keen series, for example a Keen 3d RPG. It could end with the final defeat over Mortimer McMire.
Long story short: the creator would be happy to make the games, but he sold the rights to ID (3D Realms) years ago. He refuses to make them unless he has total creative control over the games (he wants the rights back), and 3D realms know that the game wouldn't work without him.
Tom Hall worked at id Software when they made Commander Keen. But he left to go work at Apogee, because he didn't like id Software's Doom. But id Software still holds the rights of Commander Keen.
Because they think the possibility of them making a game is more marketable than a one-off payment for whatever meagre amount Tom would offer them. I also think (not sure) that by selling the rights it prevents them selling the old keen games. I also honestly think that Tom doesn't have any money / he wouldn't want to pay for something he'd basically do as a hobby.