Rumor: Gearbox Software Takes the Reins on Duke Nukem Forever

[phyzik]

Take it for what its worth.... a Rumor...

http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/duke-nukem-...1111669p1.html

Duke Nukem Forever isn't dead yet. In development since 1997, the sequel to Duke Nukem 3D appeared destined for vaporware limbo after 3D Realms laid off the game's design team last year and was subsequently sued by publisher Take-Two Interactive for failing to produce the game. But according to a new report, a new studio is resuscitating the Duke for one final push to an actual release.

Citing confidential sources, Kotaku reports that Borderlands developer Gearbox Software is now working on Duke Nukem Forever and the game is so close to completion (when have we heard that before?) there will be a playable demo available by the end of the year.

Take-Two maintains publishing rights on the le, but declined to comment on the project and whether or not Gearbox is now involved.

Gearbox studio head Randy Pitchford also declined to comment on Duke Nukem Forever, but did tell Kotaku he would be able to better clarify the situation at the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX Prime), which kicks off on September 3 in Seattle.

[Xevious]

I remember getting excited over that 2001 E3 Duke Nukem vid.

But how many people really care anymore? While Duke Nukem was certainly fun in the 90s (and would've been 5-10 years ago), a modern incarnation will just be a cookie-cutter FPS. And all the development stopping and starting isn't giving any confidence that something innovative or fun will come of this (if anything at all).

[phyzik]

http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/duke-nukem-...1117791p1.html

Duke Nukem Forever Co-Creator Hints Game Finally Done

Duke Nukem co-creator George Broussard said in a 2006 interview that reigning vaporware champ Duke Nukem Forever would be released "when pigs fly." Well, according to a recent tweet from the designer, you could see winged swine flapping past your window any day now.

The tweet, posted last night, is wordless and includes only a link to this image. Whether or not the tweet is in reference to Duke Nukem Forever is unknown at this point, but recent rumors about the videogame-turned-punchline indicate we'll find out for sure soon.

In early August, speculation that Borderlands developer Gearbox Software had taken the reins on Duke Nukem Forever began to surface. The game was so close to completion, the story went, a playable demo would be available by the end of the year.

Asked about the rumor, Gearbox studio head Randy Pitchford declined to comment, but he couldn't help saying he would "better clarify the situation" at the Penny Arcade Expo -- which just happens to be kicking off tomorrow in Seattle.

Duke Nukem Forever has been in development since 1997 (that's not a typo). Here's what Broussard had to say in 2006 when 1Up interviewed him about the game:
GB: You know, we've been so busy on Duke Forever for so long that we can't really see past just finishing this game, but you never can tell when it's done, you know, what you want to work on next.

1UP: Wait, wait. You guys are working on Duke Forever?

GB: [Laughs] And ever and ever.

1UP: And when's that due out again?

GB: [Laughs] I think it'll be out when pigs fly.