This is sad. Duke Nukem is Dead. I learned a lot from Duke 3D. When I joined Valve to work on Half-Life, there were many discussions of how well Duke had done things. There’s a seminal moment where Duke is about to be executed, and suddenly you (as Duke) discover that you can break free and bust out of the execution chamber and (you being Duke) go on a rampage. It’s safe to say this particular scene had a big impact on what I thought was possible in a first-person shooter. Although the interminable wait for Duke Nukem Forever was, well, interminable, and made a great target over the years, the fact is, many of us were eagerly waiting for it, and couldn’t wait to be blown away. Knowing people who worked on it over the years, and hearing them hint at how great it could be (if it would only ship), I have no doubt that over the course of its development, Duke was probably several dozen sorts of minor masterpiece at one time or another. We’ll miss ya, ya big lug.
When I first heard the news I had mixed feelings about it. One side of me thought that it might have been a pretty decent game, just pure fun, balls to the wall, action. But on the other side I realized that this game had been under development for so long and there was so little to show of their work to prove that they had made a great game that everyone lost faith in the project turning it into the butt of every “this is never going to be released” joke. I’m actually surprised it was supported for this long because, from the standpoint of a company executive, it was just a giant money pit that probably wouldn’t see profitable returns from a main stream audience that isn’t into the whole 1980′s action movie genre anymore.
It must really suck for the developers though. Working on a project like that for so long probably makes you really attached to it, and then to have it be canceled, on sudden notice, must be really devastating.
Well that sucks. I was kind of looking forward to playing his new game since I never got to play the original.
Judging from the people I work with who had worked on DNF at some point in the past, it’s safe to say that many smart and creative people have been hurt by this.
What happened to Chuck Jones anyway?
Well, it was taking far too long. But I hoped that it would be released… someday.
So sad.
seems like a gameplay video has surfaced.
http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/58562
Chuck Jones is still working in the industry, I believe, and still in the Seattle area as a matter of fact. I saw him in line for Watchmen, but didn’t have the chance to learn what he’s been up to.
Who is Chuck Jones? I’m only familiar with the cartoon animator…
Chuck was one of the original artist/modellers on Half-Life 1 and Team Fortress Classic.
Hi Mark, I’m a big fan of Half-Life, the ambient, the feeling is unique, but not only the visual aspect, its something about the feeling of being there, i can imagine that you as writer of this masterpiece have some influences from another authors, and thats why I’m here, I’m also fan of sci-fi and action movies, i remember some movies that make me think of Half-Life universe, for example the pixar movie The Incredibles, the vehicles on that movie remind me the ones from half-life 2, also District 9 have a lot of that Half-Life feeling i was talking at the beginning, the ambient, the weapons, the “alone against the world” feeling from some parts on Half-Life 2, and what about Children of Men, that movie have a serious ambient to City 17, the buildings, and the cold filter…
Anyway, i just could say that Half-Life marked my life and that’s why i can see resemblances everywhere, even now at my 30 years.
But Mark, the question is, can you remember movies that inspired you elements that you later apply to Half-Life or Half-Life 2 writing ? can you please enumerate that movies for me, so i can search for it ? or have you seen movies later that remember elements from Half Life universe ?
Thanks a lot for your time.
Hi, Crysyx, I like a lot of sf movies, but most of them didn’t really affect the story for HL2. I agree that when Children of Men came out, we felt a strong sense of connection with that grubby environment and the continuous nature of the experience.
Right. It’s all subjectivity. By here is my way of saying “Thanks, you’re awesome:”
Wake Up, Mr. Freeman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge7e1XC4bCo
Half-Life was truly epic, but I dream of a Utopian world, and would like to fixate on such ideals. We are what we eat, ya?
Is it self expression with the intention of expressing the remote isolation we feel sometimes? But we are all connected atomically, and also manifest time and space, along with intention. So, I think I’m going to promote working together with all people, but not multinational corporations. In fact, I don’t work for those slave drivers, lol. It’s ironic how you’ve so help me see the great weakness of raw power with even more clarity. I even wish you future success, just not financial success. And you know, I’m all about honesty, so I don’t pirate YOUR games any more; but only yours, because, as bizarre as I am, I am able to love. I and may not even by the next episode, because I don’t want violence on Earth anymore. Value just published Psychonauts for a special price of a mere $2.00, and this is one of the most valuable games they sell. All their stupid ape military games are ridiculously priced. I don’t feel it at all, but it does work in my favor. Would like to see more influence in that area, as I will keep stating, weather the question is spoken or, indeed, acknowledge.
The “Angel” and “Demon” Githara. Duality is in all things. So I’m both profoundly wise and influential, while being profoundly stupid and annoying as well. Peace.
I have not seen Children of Men, but I love this British actor, who was a huge character in Sin City and the King Author, so it is quite compelling.
Thanks for the answer Mark, but i really will like to know some sf movies recommendations from you, I’m not telling that what likes you will like me, specially art related stuff, everyone feels art on different way, but some times, a recommendation are a wide form of communication, instead of talk a lot, or write a lot, you give something that moves you, and that way i can interpret my own experience compared to yours. don’t you thing ?