We just received this statement from Take-Two Interactive regarding today's talk that 3D Realms has shut its doors.
"It is the Company's policy to not comment on its contractual relationships, nor do we comment on rumors and speculation. That said, 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. In addition, Take-Two continues to retain the publishing rights to Duke Nukem Forever." - Alan Lewis, Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs for Take-Two.
Not exactly the big CASE CLOSED confirmation or denial that everyone was probably hoping to see, but restating that Take-Two wasn't providing steady funding to that project is perhaps a little telling. If I remember correctly, the publisher did, at various points, put money into the project, but as its development cycle spun out of control, it became more of a "hey, look, call us when it's finished" kind of relationship.
At one point, Take-Two was even offering 3D Realms a $500k bonus if it shipped the game before the end of '06.