Duke Nukem Forever Gone Forever?

Duke Nukem Forever, the epitome of vaporware, seems to now be gone forever. On the other hand, it's not as though any of us were holding our breath for it.

In multiple reports, 3D Realms, the Texas-based developer of past Duke Nukem games, is said to have shut down.

Take-Two (planned publisher of the game) VP, of communications Alan Lewis said in a statement:

"We can confirm that our relationship with 3D Realms for Duke Nukem Forever was a publishing arrangement, which did not include ongoing funds for development of the title. In addition, Take-Two continues to retain the publishing rights to Duke Nukem Forever."

That makes it sounds as though while 3D Realms may be finished, Duke Nukem Forever may not (though anyone who remembers the tepid response to Daikatana, another poster-child for vaporware, would probably expect a similar response to DNF if it ever shipped).

Anyway, here's a response from 3D Realms webmaster Joe Siegler which seemingly puts a cap on this. This appears to be sudden news, even for him, as he did an interview just yesterday.

"When I recorded that, I didn't know. It's not a marketing thing. It's true. I have nothing further to say at this time."