"Defunct" is a harsh and inaccurate word. I was making stuff with Blender 2.79 as little as a few months ago, and there's nothing wrong with the program. still works fine. There are much "improved" versions out right now, or so I'm told. I haven't actually made anything so far with the "improved" Blender. Hell, I really just got it to finally start up for me about a week ago. :)