[News Bot]

Veteran games developer 3D Realms has closed down because of a lack of funds. Founded in 1987, the firm popularised the concept of shareware gaming and published the seminal Duke Nukem and Wolfenstein 3D first-person shooters.

The company was working on a follow-up title, Duke Nukem Forever, which after being in development for 12 years has become the object of industry derision. Publisher Take-Two says it will no longer fund development of the game but retains rights to the title.

"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's Alan Lewis in a statement. There has been no official comment from 3D Realms, other than a forum posting from the company's webmaster, Joe Siegler, who said: "It's not a marketing thing. It's true. I have nothing further to say at this time.

[CaptainSlow]

Hmmmm I have mixed views on this...

On one side, I feel its a sad sad day for the gaming industry as we've lost a developer that made some of the best known games (Wolfenstein, Duke Nukem).

On the other side I feel that they should have seen this coming, Duke Nukem Forever, which could have been a massive money spinner for them - has so far took 12 years to develop! That's not very good really when you think about it!!!