A major bomb hit the gaming community last night as rumours started to surface that mythic veteran game developer 3D Realms was shutting down due to lacking funds.

3D Realms, founded in 1987 by Scott Miller and George Broussard, was responsible for the nineties smash hit Duke Nukem 3D. The last 12 years of their existence was mostly dedicated to developing one of the most anticipated and (over)hyped titles ever, Duke Nukem Forever.

Nothing more is known at this time as there is a chilling radio silence from most possible sources at 3D Realms. Only Joe Siegler has made a statement where he makes clear that this is neither a stunt nor a joke.

Publisher Take 2 has comfirmed to Shacknews that it is not funding the DNF project, however it does still hold the publishing rights.

Apogee Software also reacted to Shacknews and told them they are not affected by the situation at 3DR and that there is no imminent danger for their handheld Duke Nukem Trilogy which they have in the pipelines.

Even though many gamers will now say that this is what they deserve for stringing us along for 12 years, this is something you wish for no one. All I can say is that I hope they find a solution so we all still live to see the day when Duke Nukem resurrects Forver.

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