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id Software rep 'saddened' by death of Duke Nukem Forever
If you think id Software would gloat openly about the cancellation of its one-time competitor, Duke Nukem Forever, you may be surprised to hear the reaction of Steve Nix, director of business development for id:"For me it was personally sad," he told Videogamer. "I know a lot of people at the studio were really surprised and saddened for sure." He went on to explain the historical connection between the two companies: "We had originally moved to Dallas because Apogee, who morphed into 3D Realms, was our original publisher. So id might not even be in Dallas and a lot of us wouldn't even be working in the games industry if it wasn't for Apogee and 3D Realms."Nix said that he "thought (the news of the cancellation) was a joke when I heard the other day." He also noted that id is currently hiring, and that "There are some really talented guys in (3D Realms) so it very well could happen that some of them end up at id." Overall, it's a pretty measured and sensitive response from the company who popularized "gibs."
Jace Hall says goodbye to Duke Nukem Forever, hello to new footage
Jace Hall, Monolith Productions founder turned web show host and TV/film producer, has gone back through his archives to dig up a minute-and-a-half of previously unseen Duke Nukem Forever gameplay footage. Hall first offered a glimpse at the game in action last June on Crackle.com's aptly-titled Jace Hall Show. The new clip, found at the 7:37 mark of the show's latest episode, features an uncharacteristically silent Duke killing enemies whilst dodging giant, rolling boulders. (And, unfortunately for our friends up North, isn't viewable in Canada.) Now that Hall has bid DNF a fond semi-farewell (after all, it could return!) he can focus his attention on ABC's upcoming reimagining of V, on which he serves as executive producer.
Zero Punctuation lovity love loves Duke Nukem Forever
It's finally happened! Zero Punctuation's Yahtzee speaks glorificously about a title without the distinct smell of [edited] having been [edited] in his [edited] by someone from Valve or Double Fine. Duke Nukem Forever is the masterpiece that made the once bad boy of game reviews open his heart and learn to love again like an overused British analogy that we should write here.Anyway, it's been a long time coming, but any love Duke Nukem Forever can receive deserves to be spread far and wide on the internets. That game is awesome! Check out the ZP review at The Escapist as the embed doesn't seem to work given the game's fantabulousness.
3D Realms still alive, claims Take-Two accusations 'without merit'
It's become clear as of late that Duke Nukem Forever has become a topic that we can't ignore. Today is no exception, with 3D Realms releasing its first public statement since the dissolving of the game's development team and saying that it's "not closed and is not closing." Though the developer admits Take-Two "retains publishing rights to the game [DNF]," it's positing an ability to "sell the game directly to the public." Furthermore, the company is charging Take-Two with bully tactics for the way it has treated 3D Realms over the past year or so of negotiation. 3DR says Take-Two tried to force a "fire sale" out of the situation and due to this, 3DR left the table as of May 4. As the release pointedly notes, this was only two days before the news broke of the original events, and a flood of screenshots and video of the game was loosed on the public. Seems like we've got more litigation on our hands! Yeehaw!
Forever-gate: Take-Two demands Duke Nukem Forever source code in suit
If the development of Duke Nukem Forever was a troubled marriage, welcome to the nasty, drawn-out divorce.Shacknews reports that court documents it obtained from the case of Take-Two Interactive vs. Apogee Software have the former demanding, well, custody of the unfinished game's source code. It also seeks to prevent Apogee from "disclosing, distributing, transferring or selling to any party other than Take-Two any proprietary information related to DNF." In short, Take-Two wants what it claims it paid for, and wants it now. 3D Realms co-founder, Scott Miller, wrote in a comment on Shacknews that the DNF developer "never saw a penny of that money," referring to the $12 million Take-Two says it paid Apogee for publishing rights to the game in 2000.If there's anything positive to be taken away from this litigation situation, it's that Take-Two evidently plans on ensuring a return on its investment in DNF -- possibly to the extent of taking all the game's assets and continuing its development elsewhere.[Via BigDownload]
Take-Two suing Apogee over unfinished Duke Nukem Forever
The game may never be released, but its legacy may live on forever. Duke Nukem Forever, which 3D Realms was supposedly working on from 1997 right up until it closed its doors on May 6, is at the center of a lawsuit filed by its would-be publisher, Take-Two Interactive. But who's left to sue? The still-operating Apogee Software, which created the 3D Realms brand in 1994.According to Bloomberg News, Take-Two alleges in a lawsuit filed May 13 that Apogee "continually delayed the completion date for the Duke Nukem Forever" and "repeatedly assured Take-Two and the video-gaming community that it was diligently working toward competing (sic) development of the PC Version of the Duke Nukem Forever." The suit states that Take-Two paid Apogee a sum of $12 million for the publishing rights to the game. The partnership was extended as recently as 2007, according to details of the case.We've contacted Apogee and Take-Two for comment on the pending suit. Apogee is currently involved with the production of Duke Nukem Trilogy for PSP and Nintendo DS, announced at E3 2008.[Via BigDownload]
Duke Nukem Forever gameplay surfaces, requests we 'come get some'
Unfortunately, it seems that the death of 3D Realms was the best way for us to get our hands on the largest collection of Duke Nukem Forever screens we've ever seen, and now, footage of the game in action. Found on ex-3D Realms employee Bryan Brewer's personal website (found after the break due to its NSFW-ness), we're treated to the ubiquitous pig cops (now with the ability to jump and climb, apparently) as well as a variety of Duke vulgarities you likely won't want your mother to hear.If anything, the footage proves that a ton of different gameplay was actually finished and -- we're not gonna lie here -- looks pretty decent. We didn't spot any jetpack totin' reptilian enemies unfortunately, but we can only presume the folks at 3D Realms were waiting until the last possible minute to show off such nostalgia laden insanity. Wait, isn't right now the last possible minute?%Gallery-63065%%Gallery-32891%
3D Realms bids fans a simple farewell
Capping off a week that saw the developer close its doors after 21 years of operation and its ridiculously long-in-development Duke Nukem Forever left unfinished, 3D Realms has updated its website with a group staff photo and a brief, somber goodbye to gamers. Community manager Joe Siegler made what is likely his final update to the defunct company's website, posting simply, "Thanks for being fans and for all your support." No, thank you. Thanks for all the great games -- even that one that never came out but provided us with so much gag material over the years. That said, it's time for Joystiq Publishing to begin its next project: 3D Realms Forever. It'll be out next year, promise. [Via Shacknews]
Laid-off 3D Realms staff reveal Duke Nukem Forever concept art
Having just lost their positions at 3D Realms, artists Chris Smith, Trammell Issac and Layne Johnson have created new blogs to show off their previous work in search of a new industry gig. Included on all three blogs are concept art, renders and pretty much more than we've ever seen of Duke Nukem Forever. Just prior to press time, Chris Smith's blog was taken offline, but the images were saved and can be viewed in the gallery below.If 3D Realms closing its doors proved anything, it was that Duke Nukem Forever's 13-year development odyssey really was happening all along. Unfortunately, since the house that built Duke has closed up shop, the '90s hero's latest adventure will tentatively be referred to as Duke Nukem For-Never... until someone else gets crazy enough to take over development.%Gallery-63065%%Gallery-32891%[Thanks, Darius B.]
'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]
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.
3D Realms: 'Several hours' of Duke Nukem Forever sort of done
Is that the sound of Satan sharpening his skates? According to a new interview with Team Xbox, 3D Realms boss George Broussard implies that – dare we say? – development of Duke Nukem Forever is going along swimmingly. You know, just like it has been since ... 1998.All most kidding aside, Broussard tells the site that the developer has "several hours of fairly polished game to play," and that, "It's fun, it's in focus, we know what bits are fun and which are not, and it's just a matter of time now." But clearly, time moves a little slower in 3D Realms', er ... realm. Given that the company has already denied reports that it's coming this year, we'll have to make due with Duke Nuken 3D on XBLA "sometime in September." Of 2008. Really. Promise.[Via Big Download]
'Several hours' of Duke Nukem Forever currently playable
During an interview with 3D Realms' George Broussard about the XBLA port of Duke Nukem 3D, Team Xbox took it upon itself to ask what's going on with Duke Nukem Forever. In response, Broussard stated that the project is "going really well" and that "There are several hours of fairly polished game to play." Broussard added further that the game is undergoing testing and that "things are coming together," saying, "It's fun, it's in focus, we know what bits are fun and which are not, and it's just a matter of time now." Broussard concluded by saying he's "probably never been as happy or excited" about Duke Nukem Forever as he is right now. We'd like to share the sentiment, but at this point we are all but numb to Duke Nukem Forever. Here's hoping we change our tune when the game releases, which may not be too far away if Broussard's comments are anything to go by.[Via Big Download]
Omegathon 2008 lineup includes Peggle, Boom Blox, Rock Band, Jenga
The 2008 Penny Arcade Expo Omegathon V lineup has been revealed and it feels surprisingly casual. There's no Doom or Quake title like we've seen in every previous Omegathon. Also new: starting the first round with a non-board game (Jenga has been pushed to round 5). Here's the list: Round 1: Peggle Round 2: Boom Blox Round 3: Pictionary Round 4: Rock Band (Our guess is Rock Band 2) Round 5: Jenga Final Round: *** TOP SECRET *** The 20 Omeganauts have already been chosen (congratulations to any Joystiq readers who made the cut!); first prize this year is a trip for two to the Tokyo Game Show with all expenses paid and $5,000 in "walking around money."While last year's Omegathon skipped the previous tradition of using a classic retro title (Pong, Combat, Tengen Tetris), every year has featured an id Software shooter. With Rage, Doom 4 and the new Wolfenstein looking unlikely, we're trying to think of another potential, unreleased FPS that could top last year's surprise Halo 3 inclusion. If Tycho and Gabe are looking to make our heads explode, maybe they can get Duke Nukem Forever. We won't find out until minutes before the final round on Sunday, August 31 at 4:30 PM PT. In the meantime, check out the list of past Omegathon lineups, and feel free to make your own and play along at home.
DNF dev calls E3 'irrelevant,' kettle black
Please ignore the noise coming from the kitchen, dear readers. That's just a little pot called 3D Realms calling next month's kettle of a conference, the E3 Media and Business Summit, black. Scott Miller, the head honcho at the Texas-based dev, recently spoke out against the annual event in hilarious fashion, calling the gathering "irrelevant" while confirming that 3D Realms' perpetually-delayed Duke Nukem Forever would not be shown. Shocking!"In fact," he added. "I wasn't even aware it was coming up." On the one hand, we're left agape at the sheer irony of his words. On the other hand, however, this is coming from a company whose primary contribution to the industry is the poster child for inconsequential flotsam so – keeping that in mind – it seems reasonable that 3D Realms knows 'irrelevant' when it sees it.
