In May 2009 3DR let the team go. In July Scott talked on his Facebook about 2 big deals he signed. One of this surely is the sell of the Prey IP to Radar Group and one month later to Zenimax (Bethesda). Prey one sold more than 1 million in total, so its not that far to assume that the IP is worth 5-10 million. Remember that Scott also had a high level sequel planned. The other big deals he signed could be anything really, from publishing deals for Earth No More, Incarnate or a third party Duke game.
There was the info in the legal papers of the court case that 3DR needed 6 million to complete DNF. By selling the Prey IP they sure got enough money for this. Also they made DN3D for XBLA and some Iphone games too.
So we have the groundings for a external development of DNF.
How do I come to the conclusion of DNF news being revealed this summer...and a release of DNF in Fall or early 2011 at the worst.