See The Shocking Footage From An Abandoned Duke Nukem Game

Duke Nukem was meant to have a sequel in 2001, but that game build got stuck in developmental hell. Now a fan has released footage of that former abandoned title.

By James Brizuela | Published

duke nukem forever art

Duke Nukem was once the most beloved first-person shooter. The initial game came out in 1991, which led to several sequels. One such sequel was Duke Nukem 64 aka Duke Nukem 3D, which was arguably one of the best games in the series. This title followed its Doom predecessor strongly, but instead of a voiceless Doom Marine, we got the rude and surly Duke Nukem. Back after the success of Duke Nukem 64, we were supposed to get Duke Nukem Forever, only the game had been abandoned some four years into development in 2001. The build and gameplay for that game have now leaked online. You can see this gameplay below:

Duke Nukem Forever was meant to be the best predecessor to Duke Nukem 3D, but it, unfortunately, got stuck in developmental hell for 14 years. The 2011 version that fans received was a mess of a game, and all but put a stamp on what could have been a much more successful franchise. However, the above clip from the game seems to show a build that was much more closely related to Duke Nukem 3D. The movement, firing, gunplay, and signature catchphrases are all there. What is even better about this leaked footage, is that a brave soul is working on an editor to release the full game this June. Apparently, most of the levels are completely playable with most of the guns being fully operational as well. There are some discrepancies in what enemies will be fully available.

This initial build of Duke Nukem Forever was meant to be released sometime in 2011 or 2012, but there were massive delays that caused the game to never see the light of day. That led to plenty of issues that eventually led to the game that was released in 2011, which all but failed. However, now everyone who cares to see what could have been will get their shot when the leaker of the above footage releases the “full” game in June.

Fans of the series will not have to wait longer, as it has been reported that a new game is currently being worked on. The Embracer Group purchased 3D Realms back in August, though the rights to Duke Nukem were under the umbrella of Gearbox. However, Gearbox was also recently purchased by Embracer, which places the rights of the franchise squarely under one roof. Now Gearbox can still develop the new game under the Embracer Group designation. If the game is anything like Borderlands, it will surely be a hit.

For now, everyone can patiently wait to see what this mostly finished version of the 2001 Duke Nukem Forever game looks like when it drops sometime around June. More and more fans are seemingly attempting to take abandon games and breathe new life into them. Sometimes those games are shut down like Disney had shut down the Knights of the Old Republic remake that fans made in the Unreal 4 Engine. However, a sanctioned remake is on its way anyway. Here is hoping that 3D Realms doesnt shut down this fan-released attempt of Duke Nukem Forever in June.