Duke on PlayStation 2?

Rockstar Games and Gathering of Developers announced Monday a copublishing deal for the next Duke Nukem game. The companies say the title will appear for a next-generation console. The two companies acquired from 3D Realms the rights to publish a game using Duke Nukem. Scheduled for a 2000 release, the unnamed title will put Duke into a third-person-perspective game.

"We're thrilled to see Duke Nukem blazing his way into future generations of console hardware," stated Scott Miller, head of 3D Realms. Mr. Miller added, "We are confident that the Gathering and Rockstar share the passion and dedication to the continued success of the Duke Nukem franchise that we at 3D Realms do."

When contacted, 3D Realms, Take-Two, and the Gathering of Developers had no comment on which console the next Duke game would show up on and deferred to the press release, which stated, "for a soon to be identified next-generation video game console platform."

Yet several sources have confirmed that this Duke title will indeed be the PlayStation 2. Sony had not returned calls at press time.

"Adding the production of a Duke Nukem game to the list of credits of Gathering of Developers is a tremendous coup," said Mike Wilson, chief executive officer of Gathering of Developers. "The Gathering was formed in order to allow development companies, such as 3D Realms, the freedom to control franchises such as Duke Nukem. As we work with 3D Realms and Remedy Entertainment to bring their latest gaming character, Max Payne, to the market in 1999, we are very pleased to be awarded the chance to also work with their already world-famous Duke Nukem property."