3D Realms shuts down, Duke Nukem Forever in jeopardy

Taking all by surprise, Duke Nukem Forever's studio 3D Realms has reportedly shut down.

Despite having only 71 tasks to go on Duke Nukem Forever, the money has run dry and 3D Realms has regrettably had to shut down, Shaknews reports from a reliable source.

It was always doubtful that 3D Realms would be able to continue funding their 1997 announced game. Their only income were from publishing Prey and Max Payne, which were developed by other studios.

The studio's closure was thus caused by funding issues, with employees already let go. The recently resurrected Apogee Software will not be affected by the situation, with development of Frontline Games' DS and PSP Duke Nukem Trilogy (a platformer compilation of Duke Nukem: Chain Reaction, Duke Nukem: Critical Mass and Duke Nukem: Proving Grounds) continuing as scheduled.

"Deep Silver and Apogee Software are not affected by the situation at 3D Realms," a representative from Apogee Software and Deep Silver told Shaknews. "Development on the Duke Nukem Trilogy is continuing as planned."

Duke Nukem Forever was to be published by Take-Two, but the company has confirmed that their publishing arrangement with 3D Realms did not include ongoing funds for the title's development. However, a Take-Two representative was keen to point out that the company will retain the publishing rights to Duke Nukem Forever.

The kick in the nuts to 3D Realm's employees continues when they apparently had no idea of the situation, with their webmaster Joe Siegler posting that he wasn't even aware in an interview he gave yesterday.

"When I recorded that, I didn't know," Siegler wrote on the 3D Realm's forums. "It's not a marketing thing. It's true. I have nothing further to say at this time."