Duke Nukem Forever was originally announced in 1997, and leaked screen shots and game play videos coming from “alpha versions” sometimes arise and then disappear within the haze of unfounded conjecture, and discussion board derision. However, it was reported yesterday by 2K Games that the games is in development at Gearbox Software and is expected to become available in 2011.
As the intended sequel to Duke Nukem 3D in the popular video game series, Duke Nukem Forever, the announcement is welcome news to fans who have been awaiting its arrival for 13 years. The game has become notorious for its painfully long development schedule, which is due in part to 3D Realm’s frequent game engine changing and financially motivated downsizing, through which it lost the Duke Nukem development team.
The company which actually owns the publishing rights to the game, Take-Two Interactive, took 3D Realms to court over their failure to complete development of the game. 3D Realms has retained ownership of the Duke Nukem intellectual property, as the case was settled with prejudice and details undisclosed last May.
Gearbox president Randy Pitchford verified rumors that his studio had taken on responsibility for the virtually canned shooter at PAX Prime 2010. He furthermore reported that it would be available for playing by visitors at PAX on the show floor.
“People seem to be enjoying the game a lot,” read a message coming from 2K Games’ Twitter feed. “How many [PAX] folks thought they’d leave Seattle having played [Duke Nukem Forever]?”
The game is intended to be obtainable at the same time for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Microsoft Windows.
