The recent mild financial crisis at Take Two Interactive has brought to light some hitherto unknown details regarding Duke Nukem Forever. In documents less-publicized than Take Two’s main financial disclosure, the industry giant has disclosed that developer 3D Realms was offered $500,000 to release the game before year’s end.
The payment to 3D Realms is in addition to the $4.25 million sum offered simply for finishing the long-awaited game at all. That figured has dropped from the initial offer of $6 million as Take Two’s financial status has diminished.
Duke Nukem Forever has been delayed since its inception in 1997, making it almost ten years in development. With multiple engine changes, dropped staff, constant rumours, this is one of the most infamous and anticipated games of all time. For years now, 3D Realms has kept up the mantra the title is "still in development," and that its only release date is "When it’s done."
With the additional half-million dollar bonus dangling, it looks like Take Two is desperate for 3D Realms to finish this game.
