Shareware distribution model
The shareware version of Duke Nukem 3D offered a taste of the full game, with a surprising amount of firepower included.
Duke Nukem 3D is a 1996 first-person shooter game developed by 3D Realms and published by FormGen for MS-DOS. It is a sequel to the platform games Duke Nukem and Duke Nukem II, published by 3D Realms.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Distribution and marketing model for early Duke Nukem titles
- Affiliation
- Apogee Software; 3D Realms
- Status
- Historical distribution method, succeeded by full retail and digital releases
Lore & Background
The shareware version was originally released on January 29, 1996, while the full version of the game was released on April 19, 1996. The shareware episode is titled 'Hollywood Holocaust', not 'L.A. Meltdown'; 'L.A. Meltdown' is the second episode. The shareware version was not entirely identical to the retail version's first episode; it included the Devastator weapon and the Octabrain enemy, contrary to some claims.
Reader's Guide
The shareware version of Duke Nukem 3D includes the first episode, 'L.A. Meltdown', but with reduced content compared to the full retail version. Players should note that certain weapons (like the Devastator) and enemies (like the Octabrain) are absent from the shareware release.
More in Development & Legacy
Elsewhere in Duke Nukem
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