Gearbox is Officially Taking Over Duke Nukem Forever Development

A couple of weeks ago, a rumor sprung up that claimed that Gearbox Software, the developer behind such hits as Borderlands, had taken over the Duke Nukem Forever project to make sure that we’d, you know, actually see a release. Well, rumor no more, as the developer announced the fact during PAX 2010 last week.

What hasn’t been announced is a hard launch date, but the developer did state that it would happen during 2011. And the way things go, it’s likely that Gearbox Software can deliver on its promise, and the actual date to completion isn’t going to continue to be “when it’s done”.

Duke Nukem Forever has had a development cycle unlike most others. The game was first announced in 1997 – I still vividly remember reading the first preview in a magazine back then – and over the years experienced multiple delays, which sadly started to prove that the “Forever” in the game’s title could have been literal.

When 3D Realms cleaned house last spring, it seemed unlikely that DNF would ever see the light of day, but thankfully for fans, it will. The question is whether or not the game will stand the test of time. As a Duke fan, I’d have to say that the trailers look exciting, but admittedly, there seems to be little to offer over current shooters. But, the game isn’t finished yet, so there might be some spicing up to be had.

Even if not, it’s sure to please those who just want to kick ass and chew bubble gum.

Duke Nukem Forever – Circa 1997

Given Duke Nukem Forever’s epic development—it was first announced in 1997 as a sequel to Duke Nukem 3D—it might be wise to hedge on the later of those two release windows. Gearbox and 2K will be showcasing the game to press and the public at this weekend’s PAX convention. 2K Games is offering a publicly playable demo of Duke Nukem Forever at its booth.