cstGaming

Following the “closing” of the 3D-Realms studio laid-off employee’s use concept art that was developed for Duke Nukem Forever to show off what they can bring to the table

Chris Smith (his blog was taken offline but Joystiq.com grabbed all the photos so they can be viewed in a gallery)
Trammell Issac
Layne Johnson

Layne’s style particularly tickles my fancy….someone HIRE HIM!

Newly Surfaced Screenshots:

Duke Nukem Monster Truck.... How can you close a studio after seeing this???

Their is much specualtion as what will come from the semi-developed title that is Duke Nukem Forever but as long as Take-Two retains publishing rights, our hope can never fully die.

Memories…

“Thanks for being fans and for all your support.”

SITTING/KNEELING L-R: Chris Cummings, Randy Forsyth, David Riegel, Pat Jones, Pete Knepley, Jay Brushwood, Dave Ratti, George Broussard, Allen Blum, Chris DeSimone, Brian Hook (pink tie), Quinn Del Hoyo (GDC shirt), Scott MacLean, Rob "MacGuvyer" Faison, Andrew "Sonic" Kershner, Bryan Turner, Steve Blackburn, Kaiser the dog STANDING L-R: Brian Lawson, John Pollard, James Houska, Andrew Baker, Eric Von Rothkirch, Chris Skelton, Mark Skelton, Gary Buchanan, Kevin Green, Joe Siegler, Rick Huenick, Chris Smith, Ben "Too Happy" Eoff, Trammell "T-ray" Isaac, David Carter, Bryan Brewer, Layne Johnson, Brad Jacobs, John Anderson

In the wake of an official goodbye from 3D Realms it figures something like this would leak, the question is how real is it and is it even real at all? Hopefully E3 will shed some more light on the subject. All i know is how amazing i felt when i saw the recreation of the end boss fight on the football field…EPIC

In other news Apogee Released a statement saying that the Duke Nukem Trilogy slated to launch on the PSP and Nintendo DS this winter is still on schedule. But, seriously, how could a handheld version of Duke Nukem ever reach the upper echelon that’s know as the PC realm of Duke Nukem? I just don’t think they could ever make an experience close to being the same.

*Not For The Kiddies*

A very reliable source close to Duke Nukem Forever developer 3D Realms today confirmed that the development studio has shut down.The closure came about as a result of funding issues with the shut down said to affect both 3D Realms and the recently resurrected Apogee. Employees of both entities have already been let go. 

3D Realms was founded in 1987 by Scott Miller and George Broussard, and was best known for its Duke Nukem series of shooters starring the titular, bubblegum-lacking hero. The studio had infamously been working on Duke Nukem Forever, the next flagship franchise entry, for over 12 years. A final push to release Duke Nukem Forever began in 2007, marked by a short teaser starring the in-game hero that was released late that year.

As recent as January 2009, company steward George Broussard wrote on his Twitter feed that he was visiting Take-Two to show off the title. Duke Nukem Forever publisher Take-Two has confirmed that it was not funding ongoing development of the 3D Realms project.

“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,” said Take-Two VP of communications Alan Lewis in a prepared statement.“In addition, Take-Two continues to retain the publishing rights to Duke Nukem Forever,” he added.

3D Realms webmaster Joe Siegler has commented on the shut down, stating: “It’s not a marketing thing. It’s true. I have nothing further to say at this time.” Siegler’s post also reflects the unexpected nature of the situation, as he was unaware of the impending shut down.

The debate in my head for the longest time was what would come out first? Chinese Democracy or Duke Nukem Forever? Well November 23, 2008 that question was answered. It saddens me to hear this news, it almost feels like a little piece of the gaming world has died…