And The Gamers Rejoiced: Duke Nukem Lives!

Assuming you’re a gamer, you will be tickled not only pink, but an entire double rainbow of colours to know that Duke Nukem Forever will finally, finally, finally see release. Christmas will come twice in 2011.

If you’re less in the know, Duke Nukem Forever began development in 1997 by 3D Realms, the studio behind the legendary Duke Nukem 3D. But as the ambition of the project continued to grow, the release date continued to be pushed back, eventually to “when it’s done”. The game eventually became synonymous with vapourware, and even the most hardcore Duke fans (myself included) eventually lost hope. Hey, thirteen years is a long time.

“We were trying to build a game that was too great,” said 3D Realms CEO Scott Miller. Amen, Scott.

Last year, 3D Realms folded, and all seemed lost. The greatest game that never was, would never be, and would-be publisher Take Two began a suitably epic legal battle with Realms over the game.

But that part’s boring, you don’t want to hear about that. The fact of the matter is that Gearbox Software (Borderlands) has picked up the title where Realms left off, and Duke will finally see daylight in 2011. The game is even playable right now at PAX!

“I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s totally real,” says Gearbox founder Randy Pitchford, who also worked on Duke 3D. “We can’t let the Duke die.”

Truer words never spoken. To celebrate, let’s all watch the teaser again and shed a totally manly tear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jTDktbKZ10