After 12 years in development Duke Nukem Forever looks even further away from release as its developer 3D realms shut down over night. The developer – best known for the Duke Nukem shooter titles – has, perhaps unsurprisingly given Forever's tortuous development, simply run out of funds. Publisher Take-Two confirmed it wasn't involved with development. VP of communications Alan Lewis said:
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.
Putting aside the obviously terrible news for the employees concerned does this story tell us anything about ageing gaming brands? How relevant is Duke Nukem in 2009 anyway? To me he sits there with Crash Bandicoot and Banjo Kazooie, forever stuck in the late 90s. Yes, it would be a fun to finally see Duke Nukem Forever but does anyone really care anymore? Do you?
