Duke Nukem Forever

Lore & Background

Duke Nukem Forever began development under 3D Realms in 1997 following the success of Duke Nukem 3D. The project underwent multiple engine changes, including shifts from the Quake II engine to Unreal Engine and later a newer version of Unreal Engine, each requiring a reboot. Development was plagued by understaffing, a lack of a development plan, and George Broussard's obsession with incorporating new technology. After 3D Realms downsized in 2009, the game was finished by Triptych Games, Gearbox Software, and Piranha Games.

The game features pop culture references, toilet humor, and adult content, including strip clubs and the ability to urinate. Gameplay combines combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, with a slower pace than previous Duke Nukem games. Players can only carry two weapons at a time, and health regenerates automatically. Weapons include a shotgun, trip mines, a shrink ray, and a freeze ray. The plot follows Duke Nukem as he comes out of retirement to battle an alien invasion across Las Vegas, a highway, and Hoover Dam.

Reader's Guide

Duke Nukem Forever received mostly negative reviews upon release, with criticism directed at its graphics, dated humor and story, simplistic mechanics, and unpolished performance and design. It did not meet sales expectations but was deemed profitable by Take-Two Interactive, the owner of 2K Games. The game's significance lies largely in its infamous development history, which became a high-profile case of vaporware, earning a 'vaporware of the year' award from Wired in 2001. The protracted development and multiple engine changes contributed to its reputation as a cautionary tale in game development. An additional episode, The Doctor Who Cloned Me, was released as downloadable content later in the year.

Did You Know?

• The game was announced in 1997 and released in 2011, a span of 14 years.
• Development involved engine changes from Quake II to Unreal Engine, and later a newer version of Unreal Engine.