Is it finally game over for "Duke Nukem Forever"?

Prospects for the long-awaited—as in 12 years—sequel for the classic "Duke Nukem 3D" appear to be fading to black after reports that its developer has bitten the dust.

Multiple sources—including the webmaster for Duke Nukem developer 3D Realms—have confirmed to gaming site Shacknews that 3D Realms has shut down after running out of cash, and that staffers "have already been let go."

The principles behind 3D Realms have yet to comment, and according to Shacknews, a series of handheld Duke Nukem games under development by separate gaming houses Apogee Software and Deep Silver are (as the developers wrote in an official statement) "continuing as planned."

But the already-iffy future of "Duke Nukem Forever"—the near-mythic, next-gen shooter that had promised to usher the beloved Duke Nukem in the 21st Century—is looking increasingly dim.

Indeed, "Forever" has becoming a fitting tagline for the ages-in-development sequel, announced way (way) back in 1997—the era of the Nintendo 64 and the PlayStation One—and delayed once, twice, and then three times before winning Wired's Vaporware Lifetime Achievement Award for 2003.

Then in late 2007, the "Duke Nukem Forever" grapevine unexpectedly jerked back to life after 3D Realms released a one-minute teaser trailer for the game. At the time, Nukem co-creator George Broussard promised that "Forever" was alive and well, and that it would burst onto shelves "when it's done."

And as Shacknews notes, Broussard recently twittered that he was heading off to publisher Take-Two to deliver a "Forever" status report.

Take-Two (publishers of the "Grand Theft Auto" series) told Shacknews that while it still "retains publishing rights" to "Duke Nukem Forever," it isn't funding any of its "ongoing" development costs.

All that said … Broussard, one of the key figures behind the Duke Nukem franchise, is nothing if not a survivor, and he may well have another trick up his sleeves—or at least, I hope so.

Why? Call it whimsy, but I love the idea that years from now, in some perpetually dimly-lit cubicle farm in an undisclosed location, a band of tireless engineers might still be toiling away at "Duke Nukem Forever."

Related:
Duke Nukem Developer 3D Realms Shuts Down [Shacknews]