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 title, 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.



Sharkey says: There's a reason Wired created its Vaporware Award: Duke Nukem Forever. We've been hearing that it's coming soon for a decade, so this one should be taken for what it is: an unconfirmed rumor. Still, this one has a ring of truth because Gearbox was the studio reportedly working on another Duke Nukem reboot, Duke Begins. Looks like we'll find out for sure at PAX Prime.