Report: Duke Nukem Developer Shuts Down
It looks like DNF might turn out to be a DNF*.
Rumor has it Duke Nukem Forever developer 3D Realms is shutting down. Shacknews today cites ‘a reliable source close to the company' who said the developer, along with the recently resurrected Apogee name, is finished and employees from both have already been let go.
With no comment available from 3D Realms or Take Two, we’re left wondering if there’s a grain of truth to this one. On the one hand, the news that we’ll never, ever see Duke Nukem Forever is not shocking. On the other hand, we sort of don’t want to believe this one.
A few weeks back rumors did the rounds claiming the company was ‘nearly finished’ Duke Nukem Forever. All of this was based around a Tweet from CEO, George Broussard who told fans, “Closing out a milestone this week. 71 more tasks to do and we started with probably 800-900. Been a good push. Next one starts Monday.”
People got all excited and started whispering about DNF milestones despite the fact that the company is also working on Prey 2 and more likely to release that title before DNF because let’s face it, they’re in no rush with the next Duke game. Official release date remains, “It’ll be done when it’s done.” Because really, you can’t rush art.
Shacknews is usually pretty reliable but we hope the lads are wrong on this one. For the record (in case you guys care), George's Twitter drops no hints that the company has gone under. We've tweeted at him to see if you can get a confirmation or a denial and will update when we know more.
*For those not familiar with race lingo, DNF also stands for ‘did not finish.’ Leave your fond memories of Duke Nukem below.
[UPDATE] Apogee Software and Deep Silver have just issued statement to Shacknews, confirming that there is a "situation at 3D Realms" but stressing they are not affected.
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"Deep Silver and Apogee Software are not affected by the situation at 3D Realms. Development on the Duke Nukem Trilogy is continuing as planned."
Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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Spanky Deluxe Nooooooo! I know it was always so unlikely to actually be released but at least there was hope. :(Reply -
GOD DAMM IT! NOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooReply
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papasmurf lol dnf will never ever be finished, but at least you guys will always have that faint glimmer of hope that someday you will be able to buy it. I think it is an unlucky game - lets hope the company who buys the rights to it doesn't fail halfway through coding it too.Reply -
I don't care what anyone says. Duke Nukem' will always be Forever, if it finishes or not is not the issue. Hail to the kings, baby.Reply
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lipoly This news makes me about as sick to my stomach as when I heard Sierra has basically no more; sad, sad day in my book. As long as ID and Epic keeps on trucking though I will survive...Reply -
coolronz what????? the heck!!!! arghhhh... lol why doesnt someone just make a crysis mod or sumtin? lol 3D had been around for how long now? yet Duke never really officially made it to 3D.... thats kinda funny really.. roflReply