My poor Microsoft Paint modified picture is prompted by the news that 3D Realms - developer of Commander Keen, Wolfenstein 3D and Duke Nukem - has shut down. While closing a studio is hard on anyone it is especially hard on 3D Realms due to only just having celebrated their 17 year anniversary yesterday.

So, what does this mean for the infamous Duke Nukem Forever; which was first announced in 1997 with few screenshots and videos since then? Take Two have confirmed that they are no longer funding the development of the game;

“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 VP of communications Alan Lewis in a prepared statement.

“In addition, Take-Two continues to retain the publishing rights to Duke Nukem Forever,” he added - ShackNews

What’s surprising about this news is why it has taken so long for Take Two to make this move. When you’re taking 12 years to make one game you can’t really expect to continue being funded when you’re not making any profit from the project. Were they just sitting around for half of the time and just working on the game when they felt like it?

As for the upcoming Duke Nukem Trilogy the developers, Apogee Software, have made a statement saying that the situation at 3D Realms will not affect the development of their game.

While Take Two still retain publishing rights for Duke Nukem Forever I still have to say, for now at least, “Goodnight Sweet Prince”.