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'Duke Nukem' dev 3D Realms has shut down [update 4]
Duke Nukem developer 3D Realms has closed its doors, according to Shacknews. The developer was reportedly forced to cease operations due to funding issues, prompting it and Apogee Software Inc. to lay off all staff. Perhaps developing one title for more than a decade wasn't a great strategy.3D Realms was founded by George Broussard and Scott Miller in 1987, but became a household name with Duke Nukem 3D in 1996. While 3D Realms is also known for publishing high profile titles, such as Max Payne, the studio has become famous for developing Duke Nukem Forever for the last 13 years. Joystiq has reached out to 3D Realms and its publishing partner, Take-Two Interactive, for comment. Update: A studio representative has commented on the rumor regarding 3D Realms. Although it isn't a confirmation, it does hint a situation is brewing at the house that built Duke: "Deep Silver and Apogee Software are not affected by the situation at 3D Realms. Development on the Duke Nukem Trilogy is continuing as planned." Update 2: Alan Lewis, Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs for Take-Two Interactive has sent us an official statement regarding the situation at 3D Realms: "It is the Company's policy to not comment on its contractual relationships, nor do we comment on rumors and speculation. That 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. In addition, Take-Two continues to retain the publishing rights to Duke Nukem Forever."Update 3: 3D Realms webmaster Joe Siegler has confirmed rumors of a 3D Realms shut down are true, posting "It's not a marketing thing. It's true. I have nothing further to say at this time" on the 3D Realms official forum.Update 4: 3DRealms.com and the site's official forum are experiencing issues at this time due to the volume of visitors. The sites have not been removed at this time.
3D Realms reaches finite milestone (no, Duke isn't done)
3D Realms' George Broussard has tweeted that the company is closing out a milestone, claiming that the gang is down to 71 tasks out of "probably 800-900." The Escapist presumes he's talking about Duke Nukem Forever and also notes that it's not the only milestone the game is close to reaching: at the end of April, it'll have been 12 years since the Forever was first announced. Remember we celebrated its 10th un-birthday, um, like two years ago?We were obviously puzzled with Broussard's tweet and contacted the developer for clarification, to which a 3D Realms representative replied, "Sorry, but all I can say is, 'When it's done.'" Sheesh. Hopefully, the last thing on that list of 800-900 things is "Done Duke Nukem ... forever!"[Via Escapist; ClanBase]
3D Realm: Prey coming to the iPhone
This is pretty exciting -- 3D Realms has announced that their 2006 first-person shooter, Prey, is coming to the iPhone. IGN has a preview up now, and it looks pretty impressive -- the texture work is very well done, and the gravity-defying puzzles that helped the original game stand out as an above-average shooter are back as well.As you can see above, the controls are overlaid on the touchscreen, and while IGN says they take a little getting used to (they're obviously not the usual WASD and mouse movement that most shooter fans are used to), they do work well once you figure them out (and you can change the transparency of the controls, so they won't get in your way while you're blasting aliens). 3D Realms says there's no release date yet (the port is being done by a company called MachineWorks Northwest), but it'll definitely be something to watch out for. Thanks, Nick!
Wired's vaporware column adds Hero's Journey next to Duke Nukem Forever
And everyone at the Massively offices scratched their heads at the same time and said, "Huh?" All right, so Hero's Journey has been in production for, well, forever, but just because the game isn't coming out anytime soon doesn't exactly warrant it on the vaporware list at position number 8.Especially as the game's engine, the now well-known HeroEngine, has been licensed by BioWare for this Star Wars game you might have heard about. The HeroEngine development has caught on like wildfire, and even Simutronics's own Neil Harris has said to Massively that the game is on the back burner while the engine development is in the forefront.But, they still haven't left the game entirely in the dust. They've said that the game still has a long way to come in terms of content and polishing, but they're still letting people log in and play -- even when they're not around. The website even features in-game footage and screenshots, a bit more than Duke blowing some smoke at the camera and uttering a classic Duke-ism.With all that said, Hero's Journey hasn't been pressing for release or gaining undue hype. It's a game that has been sitting in the corner, lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike. Plus, with most vaporware, we're usually left hanging -- wondering what exactly those developers have been doing with their time when they should have been developing. With Simutronics, we know exactly what they've been doing -- making a great engine. So that leaves the question, is it still vaporware if we know we shouldn't expect it?
Wired hails Duke Nukem Forever as 2008's vaporware king, baby
Wired, embracing the redundancy of doing so, has named Duke Nukem Forever as the top piece of vaporware in 2008. As we've made abundantly clear in the past, much has happened since Nukem's latest adventure was first announced back in 1997. Wired was going to leave the perennial favorite off the list this year because "even the best jokes get old eventually," but obviously thought the DNF horse -- with a DNR order -- still had enough life left in it for one more jab.Keeping the dream alive that DNF may be coming to the end of a very, very (x12) long development cycle was its appearance on the Jace Hall show earlier this year. However, that was followed up by more teaser images. Keep hope alive, Duke faithful. Keep hope alive.%Gallery-33013%
Duke Nukem Forever screenshot shows us the evil
Just in time for the holidays, 3D Realms has graciously given us another look at Duke Nukem Forever by offering up a new screenshot. And this time, we don't have to deal with buying an Arcade game or buying a newspaper to get a view. A fully embiggened version of the screen can be viewed after the jump and after our initial inspection, we'll be the first to say that Duke looks graphically tasty. Except for the Pig Cop, he needs to wear the standard issue uniform. [Via NeoGAF]
3D Realms unwraps new Duke Nukem Forever image
click to enlarge Perhaps worse than not getting the gift you've asked for is getting a raincheck for it. Although we appreciate the sentiment behind 3D Realms releasing a new image containing in-game creatures from Duke Nukem Forever, the fact that another holiday season has come (and almost gone) without the game actually being released can't be ignored.Still, if you'd like to have a reminder of promises unfulfilled staring back at you every time you look at your monitor, the 3D Realms site has the image in all shapes and sizes. Us, we'll pass ... and celebrate the holidays the good old fashioned way.%Gallery-33013%
3D Realms finds 'fundamental flaws' in Payne movie
Max Payne has an emotionless face not even his own mother loves. 3D Realms CEO Scott Miller, whose studio produced the Max Payne games, has added his voice to the mass of critics showing displeasure with the film adaptation. Speaking to Edge, Miller said, "There are several fundamental story flaws ... in the film that have me shaking my head in bewilderment."We don't want to spoil any plot points for the three or four of you out there still wanting to see it, but Miller opines (negatively) about the portrayal of Payne, Beau Bridge's character B.B. and the drug lord Lupin, as well the structure of the narrative -- specifically, not showing that Payne is driven by the death of his family until well into the movie. "Saving this scene until mid-film is a narrative blunder, because the audience needs to empathize with Max in order to like him and understand what drives him," he said. Despite some (very valid) complaints, Max Payne topped this past weekend's box office. Meanwhile, we're still trying to empathize with Miller while waiting for any snippets of Duke Nukem Forever to arise.
Duke Nukem 3D takes most played XBLA title of the week
Apparently when Duke told gamers to "come get some," they took him up on the offer. According to Major Nelson, after a four week stranglehold as the most played Xbox Live Arcade title available for the popular downloadable service Castle Crashers has dropped to second place following the release of Duke Nukem 3D, last week. Is it possible the clichéd 90's hero has a place in the industry again? Maybe Duke Nukem Forever is more important that we initially thought. Maybe Duke Nukem Forever will actually be released! Okay, let's not go crazy now. Duke Nukem 3D on the Xbox Live Arcade transports gamers through the way-back machine to a simpler time of first-person action with nipple tassels and pigs dressed as police officers. Originally released on the PC in January 1996, Duke Nukem 3D follows the title character as he battles an evil horde of enemies through movie theatres, strip clubs and fast food restaurants (to name a few). Rated M for Mature, the Xbox Live Arcade release of the title includes the ability to rewind sections of gameplay, create saved films and boasts numerous multiplayer options.
Check out the Duke Nukem Forever shots in Duke Nukem 3D
Nabbed all of the achievements in Duke Nukem 3D for the Xbox Live Arcade? Congratulations, you've just unlocked two images for a game that was announced around the time some of you were born! Duke Nukem Forever, which was first announced in 1997, has been the long awaited return of 90's shooter "icon" and CIA gun-for-hire Duke Nukem. Obtaining all 12 achievements in the recently released Xbox Live Arcade release of Duke Nukem 3D unlocked two images for the upcoming (heh) sequel. Don't want to go through all the trouble? Big Download has you covered with a short gallery of the images below. Gallery: Duke4.net Duke Nuke Forever Screenshots
Duke Nukem Forever screens hidden in XBLA Duke Nukem 3D
You've soldiered through the entirety of the recent XBLA re-release of Duke Nukem 3D, taking special care to fulfill the game's unique achievement requirements. You receive the standard reward for your hard work and dedication, a 200 point boost to your already impressive Gamerscore -- though you quickly realize with glee that 3D Realms has provided an additional prize for your feat: Two new screenshots for a game that is never, ever, ever coming out. Yes, unlocking every achievement in Duke Nukem 3D reveals two new screenshots for the title's oft-delayed follow-up in the art gallery. Though some may consider it a stretch to call screenshots from the Duke's supposedly upcoming title "art", we find any sign of life for the highly-quotable shooter utterly refreshing.
X3F-TV -- XBLA in Brief: Duke Nukem 3D
For the sake of full disclosure, we loved Duke Nukem 3D when it was first released over 10 years ago. So, we might be a teeny bit biased, but that doesn't keep Duke from being one of the best FPS games on XBLA. In fact, we'd say it is the best, with no disrespect to Marathon or Doom. For 800 Microsoft Points, you get a substantial campaign and 8 player online multiplayer and co-op. Not too shabby. Check out the latest XBLA in Brief to see all the reasons why Duke Nukem 3D is worth it. (Warning: the video is mildly NSFW.) [iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon). [RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly.
The Duke hits XBLA, needs more bubble gum
It seems like it took forever, but Duke Nukem 3D is now finally available on Xbox Live Arcade. Take on the role of Duke Nukem, badass with a heart of gold, whose mission is to save the planet earth (and its chicks) from a horde of alien scum. The Xbox Live Arcade version sports saved films, a new rewind feature (no more constant saving!), and online multiplayer and co-op for up to 8 players. If you've never played Duke, we suggest you give it a try. It really is a great shooter, and introduced many previously unseen features in the first person shooter genre (like payable strippers, for example). The full version can be yours for 800 Microsoft Points.
This Wednesday: Hail to the King, Duke Nukem 3D is back
Lines you're likely to hear from this week's Xbox Live Arcade release, Duke Nukem 3D: "What are you waiting for? Christmas?" "It's time to kick ass and chew bubble gum. And I'm all out of gum" "I ain't afraid of no quake!" "What are you? Some bottom-feeding, scum sucking algae eater?" "Hmm, that's one "Doomed" Space Marine." "I should have known those alien maggots booby trapped the sub." "And I thought 10 guns was hard to carry!" "Damn! I'm looking good!" "Nobody jacks with our Independence!" "I can't wait to play myself in Duke Nukem Forever, coming Fall 1998." Killing alien scum will cost you 800 ($10).
Duke Nukem 3D releases to the XBLA this week!
We've known it for quite a while already, but team Microsoft just officially announced that this Wednesday, September 24th, the Duke will be making his way to the Xbox Live Arcade with the release of Duke Nukem 3D. Huzzah! For only 800 Microsoft points (no longer rumored), you'll be able to grab a copy of Duke Nukem 3D and re-live all your Duke destruction memories with over 39 levels of mayhem, an eight player co-op / versus multiplayer, saved films, a new rewind feature and even an unlockable art gallery. It's Duke Nukem. On the XBLA. This Wednesday. Kick a**!
Duke 3D: MP lobby system and pricing rumors
Thanks to some new screenshots making their way onto the interwebs, we have learned that multiplayer in Duke Nukem 3D will utilize the ever so convenient lobby system. A multiplayer system we fully endorse. So, thumbs up to that. Also, even though the official Duke 3D Xbox.com page has gone live, 3D Realms still hasn't announced the official pricing. But rumor has it that OXM's August November issue has a review of Duke 3D and in it they mention that the game costs 800 Microsoft points. Remember, Duke will grace the XBLA next Wednesday, so be sure to stock up on plenty of bubble gum. We recommend 5 gum, because it's yummy. [Thanks, racingfreak92]
Come get some Duke Nukem 3D trailer
File this under 'how did we miss this?'. A new trailer for Duke Nukem 3D was released earlier this week, and let's just say that it got our nostalgia zones all tingly. Sure, Duke brings back some good, good memories, but the trailer also reminds us that the Xbox Live Arcade version of Duke Nukem 3D is packed with new features. At the top of the list is 8 player online co-op and deathmatch (the original only supported 4 players). Let's not forget the ability to save and share gameplay videos either, or the ability to rewind the game when you die (no more saving every 5 seconds, hooray). Now, we might be a little biased, but we'd say that Duke Nukem 3D looks to be the best frakking Xbox Live Arcade game ever and you should buy it when it releases next week. Or, you could, you know, wait to hear how the game actually plays over Xbox Live. [Via XBLArcade]
Duke Nukem kicks the XBLA's a** and chews bubble gum on Sept 24th
Wednesday, September 24th. According to developer 3D Realms, that's the Xbox Live Arcade release date for Duke Nukem 3D. Duke 3D with saved films and a rewind feature! Huzzah! Just keep in mind that this isn't an official Microsoft release date announcement, so there's a 3% chance this release date could be wrong. And as far as pricing goes, that's still undecided, but 3D Realms promises to announce it in "a very short time." [Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
Duke Nukem 3D ready for XBLA action Sept. 24
The "highly anticipated" re-release of 3D Realms' Duke Nukem 3D received a release date on last night's exclusive-rich episode of GameTrailers TV. The revamped 1996 shooter will be parking its bricks in the XBLA toilet on Sept. 24, complete with eight-player co-op and Blinx-esque Braid-esque rewind capabilities. Also, it apparently has the ability to actually be released, giving it a leg up on the other Nukem title that's currently in production. No word yet on how many Micro-bucks it'll run the discerning, alien-hating 360 owner.
Duke Nukem movie in the works -your grandkids'll love it!
Good news, fans of fine films! Duke Nukem is (reportedly) making his way to the big screen, seemingly undeterred by the ten year journey back onto smaller ones. Scott Faye – the Hollywood producer bringing Max Payne to your local movieplex – tells Hollywood gaming reporter John Gaudiosi, "I'm working diligently at making a Duke Nukem movie scenario that will live up to the character and its import in the videogame world." Sounds to us like Faye is overestimating Duke's importance (outside of blogger joke fodder) in the world of video games. It should come as little surprise that Faye's Depth Entertainment has a production deal with former 3D Realms-er Scott Miller's Radar Group – the two are working "on a number of new cross-media franchises that are being designed from the ground up as games and films." In addition to all that synergy, Faye is still hard at work on the movie adaptation of American McGee's Alice though – despite all of her enthusiasm for the project – Sarah Michelle Gellar is no longer involved. What we're trying to say here is that the guy has a lot on his plate and, considering what we can only imagine is an ancient curse preventing the Duke license from ever finding success again, we're not expecting the Duke Nukem movie to hit holo-screens until 2042. ... right alongside Duke Nukem Forever.
