3D Realms is looking for a few good men (or women, most assuredly) to replace two recently vacated slots at the top of the Prey food chain. The openings occured after the departure of the game's project leader Paul Schuytema and coder (one of three) William Scarboro.

　　Apogee cofounder (3D Realms is a part of Apogee) Scott Miller elaborated just a little on the departures, saying the slots would be filled and that the company already has its eyes on potential candidates. Regarding the game's progress, Miller said he had "come to the realization six to eight months ago that we would miss 1999" with Prey. He said the title would likely be released sometime in 2000.

　　"It's an issue of content," he said, adding that the company is "trying to rethink every aspect of 3D shooters."

　　Apogee's other cofounder George Broussard said in a statement that "Paul Schuytema is no longer with us at 3D Realms on the Prey project. We felt a change was needed on the game. William Scarboro has left by mutual decision. The partings were amicable, and we wish them both well in future endeavors. People come and go in this industry all the time. Prey's release date is, as always, 'when it's done.' "

　　Industry insiders have long known of creative differences between Broussard and Schuytema, lending far greater credibility and significance to Miller's "issue of content" statement above. In addition, it has been felt by those who have witnessed the progress of the title over the past three years that it is, and has been, far closer to completion than 3D Realms and Apogee brass have indicated.

　　Could Prey's now further-delayed release have something to do with 3DR's wanting to protect turf carved out by one Duke Nukem and his fabulous reputation for driving revenues into 3DR's coffers?

　　Gamers will be left to speculate, as Broussard said himself in his plan file of Wednesday, "We will not go into details as they are nobody's business but ours and the parties involved."