3D Realms Closes its doors

According to recent reports around the web today, long standing developer 3D Realms, has recently closed its doors for good with money problems being cited as the reason.

The Texas based studio had been hard at work on Duke Nukem Forever since 1997 whose future now hangs in the balance. Early rumours on the studio closure stated that it was down to Take Two pulling their funding for the title, however Shacknews earlier reported that Take Two VP of communcations Alan Lewis stated that the "relationship with 3D Realms for Duke Nukem Forever was a publishing arrangement, which did not include ongoing funds for development of the title." Furthermore Lewis stated that "Take-Two continues to retain the publishing rights to Duke Nukem Forever."

Confirming initial reports this morning was 3D Realms Webmaster, Joe Siegler, who posted on the official forums stating that "It's not a marketing thing. It's true. I have nothing further to say at this time."

With 3D Realms owning the intellectual property rights for Duke Nukem Forever and Take Two owning the publishing rights, it's hard to see the title ever being picked up. The end of 3D Realms could also see the end of the Prey series that was greatly received back in 2006 unless someone feels adventurous enough to pick that up too.

A sad day for the games industry in which one of the old skool major players wanes into non-existance.