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Duke Nukem Forever demo drops June 3 for First-Access Club members

Borderlands: Game of the Year purchasers and preorder buyers will get first whack at the 14-years-in-development game in three weeks.

By Tor Thorsen on May 17, 2011 at 9:23AM PDT

72 Comments

After nearly a decade and a half in development, Duke Nukem Forever will finally go on sale June 10 internationally and June 14 in North America. However, those looking to take the game for an early test drive will be able to 11 days earlier--provided they have the proper code.

Duke Nukem Forever's demo is just weeks away.

Today in a short video (see below), Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford announced that the Duke Nukem Forever demo will be available for download to members of the First Access Club starting June 3. To join the club, gamers will need a code obtainable by purchasing the Game of the Year edition of Borderlands or preordering the game from participating retailers. The code is redeemable on the First Access Club's website.

Initially announced in 1997, Duke Nukem Forever was synonymous with vaporware for over a decade. While at original studio 3D Realms, it went through at least two engine changes, with its protracted development reportedly costing $20 million to $30 million.

Then, in early 2009, publisher 2K Games' parent company Take-Two lost patience with 3D Realms, refusing to give it the funds to continue development of the game. It went on to sue the suburban Texas developer, with court documents revealing the New York-based publisher was developing another Duke Nukem game, Duke Begins, with Gearbox. That developer, flush with cash from the success of Borderlands, went on to buy all Duke Nukem Forever assets and the Duke Nukem IP itself last September.

When Duke Nukem Forever launches, it will be available in both a standard edition, as well as a Balls of Steel Collector's Edition for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. This top-tier bundle includes a bust of the titular hero, a set of playing cards, dice, and two casino chips. A comic and hardcover art book are also included in the collection, along with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

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Duke Nukem Forever - Demo Announcement Trailer

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ndawgdrake

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ndawgdrake

One crucial piece of information missing: When does the demo release for everyone else?

Upvote • 13 years ago

jasonzilla11

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jasonzilla11

I love those Duke Nukem commercials. With the dude, and the sign in the background. They seem more personal and real.

Upvote • 13 years ago

deathwish026

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deathwish026

plus ive pre ordered the balls of steel edition and still wont get a code. - 10 more respect. gearbox studios is now "unfriendly"

Upvote • 13 years ago

el3m2tigre

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el3m2tigre

Does gamespot realize that that chick is naked in that screenshot?

Upvote • 13 years ago

el3m2tigre

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el3m2tigre

@Fajonkel That's because it's a demo, and not a beta.

Upvote • 13 years ago

deathwish026

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deathwish026

i hate that i payed 7 pounds each for all 5 dlcs and pre ordered borderlands when it was first anounced and i dont get no code. thats 75 ponds ive spent on borderlands. ime upset with you gearbox - 10 respect.

Upvote • 13 years ago

Megavideogamer

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Megavideogamer

So Duke Nukem was annouced or supposed to be ready for 1997. The original Playstation and Nintendo 64 would have been the platforms it was supposed to be released on. After 14 years can Duke Nukem ever make its money back? or break even. We had to wait 14 years for Gun's N Roses Chinese Democracy also. Which didn't turn out so well...

Upvote • 13 years ago

hannify

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hannify

So I need to pay to get a demo which is meant to seduce me to buy the game? Good idea ! ..

Upvote • 13 years ago

le_mulot

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le_mulot

Not pushing the demo to everyone is stupid.

Upvote • 13 years ago

DarkBloodPrince

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DarkBloodPrince

image a day before the demo come out it gets delayed Xp

Upvote • 13 years ago

goodemon

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goodemon

I can't describe how excited I am about the fabled "Duke Nukem Forever" I swear I was in middle school when this game was announced, and, over the years, I have defended it's existence over and over, and here we are, 2011. It's finally coming, and it will be awesome, and the online matches are going to be a serious fragfest-with jetpacks and foul language to boot. Day one purchase for me (PS3 "granola" add me to battle online) because I didn't wait this long just to slam it's troubled lifecycle of development.

Upvote • 13 years ago

UltimateRAGEX

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UltimateRAGEX

I would LMAO if this game got to the day before it's meant to come out, and then they say Duke Nukem Forever is delayed AGAIN! To like June.... 2012 XD

Upvote • 13 years ago

Falmar

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Falmar

Hahahah i bet all that claptrap humor is pitchford alone!

Upvote • 13 years ago