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Duke Nukem Forever pre-order bonuses ripped from time
If the Duke Nukem Forever "Balls of Steel" Edition is just too big for you, GameStop and Walmart are offering pre-order bonuses with the regular-sized editions. Walmart is giving out the prior decade fashion icon – the "trucker hat" – with pre-purchases. We have no idea when the hats were actually manufactured, but given the extended development cycle of the game it could very well have been back when Ashton Kutcher helped popularize the fad on now-defunct TV show Punk'd. GameStop wants to stuff its pants with pre-order cash using a simpler DNF bundle: "Duke's Big Package." The bonus is a group of downloadable items that offer in-game EGO boost (health), big head mode (boom shakalaka!) and t-shirt pack. Honestly, given our other-era experience with the game, the trucker hat is sure to deliver that unstuck-in-time feeling of living in the 90s.
Mega64 + Duke Nukem + Manners = Doug Huggem
Why aren't more games concerned with teaching their players a little something about etiquette? We know the guys from Mega64 were joking when they whipped up the trailer posted below for Duke Nukem's mannerly twin, Doug Huggem -- but, man, what a valuable lesson about cordiality!
Duke Nukem Forever 'Balls of Steel' Edition: Is this some kind of bust?
If you thought Duke Nukem Forever was tacky before, wait until you see the collector's edition. Well, we suppose you've already seen the collector's edition -- that's it above. The "Balls of Steel" Edition (yep), revealed to DNF "First Access Club" members, is overloaded with stuff, including a hardcover artbook, postcards, a logo sticker, a comic book, poker chips, dice, playing cards, a foldable papercraft, and -- oh yeah -- a bust of Duke Nukem. There's even a numbered certificate of authenticity, to prove to others that it's the genuine article. Notable omissions include steel stress balls and, in fact, anything spherical or metal. The Balls of Steel Edition will be available in limited quantities for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC at launch (the week of May 3). Update: 2K has provided additional details in its press release (in full after the break), revealing that the Balls of Steel Edition will be exclusive to Amazon and GameStop in North America -- for $100. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Duke Nukem Forever being completed as 3D Realms envisioned
Standing in the back room of a Las Vegas strip club -- which sounds far more seedy and sexy than it actually was -- Gearbox president Randy Pitchford detailed for us the once and future Duke Nukem Forever and how the studio's primary goal for the game is fulfilling the vision set forth by defunct developer 3D Realms. "I bought the [Duke Nukem] brand," Pitchford said. "I'll have plenty of time to do my own thing and try to start over, take Duke in whatever direction I want." For now, he wants Forever to be what 3D Realms was working to finish after almost 14 years of development. "What's important is that we get to play the game we've been waiting for all this time."
Duke Nukem Forever preview: A night with the king, baby
Duke Nukem Forever carries fourteen years of baggage, packed with a gameplay ethos from a bygone era -- so very, very gone by. After playing through the first couple hours of DNF, it's clear to me that this is a project ripped out of time; an amalgam of ideas that's difficult to separate into the new and the old. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford told me that finishing Forever is about completing the vision of the original design. DNF is sort of like the movie A.I., where Steven Spielberg picked up an unfinished Stanley Kubrick project, and in the end you couldn't really tell where one's vision began and other's ended. That's DNF, like a game of telephone, or a (really slow) relay race, or a dish prepared by a line of chefs, each adding an ingredient to the recipe along the way. The end result of DNF may be tasty, but it's visibly crowd-sourced by several eras of game design. Somehow DNF still comes out an authentic followup, exuding the blatant -- and, by some accounts, even delightful -- immaturity of its predecessor. If you came of age with Duke Nukem 3D, then you're probably going to have to suspend some years of maturation to enjoy DNF. I'd say it could even be a sort of bonding experience if you've got your own teens now, but then they probably hate your guts, and even if they don't, it would be excruciatingly embarrassing to play DNF with them. %Gallery-116049%
Take-Two revenue down, but profit earned in latest quarterly results
The last time we checked in on Take-Two's quarterly earnings the publisher was operating on a different fiscal calendar -- and had regained profitability. Today, the company introduced its recalibrated fiscal year, reporting on the third quarter results of its fiscal 2011 year -- in our world: October–December 2010. Revenue was down for the quarter, recorded at $334.3 million, compared to the $360.4 million for "the year-ago period," though Take-Two remained profitable, reporting a non-GAAP income of $49.5 million. The usual culprits were bringing home the bacon for the period, including Red Dead Redemption, Borderlands, and Grand Theft Auto IV (now in its "Complete Edition" form). Through the first nine months of the current fiscal year (April–Dec. 2010) revenue jumped 80 percent from the previous year, reaching $954.6 million. Take-Two expects to trot past the billion-dollar mark this quarter as the sun sets on its fiscal 2011 (ending March 31) and has increased its projected annual revenue to $1.10 billion.
Write a 100-word essay, get into a Duke Nukem Forever party
Dear Gearbox Software: I think you should allow me to attend next week's Duke Nukem Forever party because I am a fan of Gearbox Software and of Duke Nukem Forever, and definitely not a journalist who would be there to document the inevitably humiliating events of a drunken Las Vegas party at a strip club. I assure you that I don't own a camera, have a poor memory for names, and tend to black out when I've had even one drink. So I think I am the perfect choice for this party, and I am sure you'll agree. Also, I'll bring gum. Sincerely, JC
Evidence of Duke Nukem Forever's existence continues to mount with new trailer, release date
Gearbox Software promised last fall that they'd finally, really finish and release Duke Nukem Forever, and it's starting to look like they're actually going to come through. The studio has just released a full trailer for the game, and it's announced something that many though they'd never see: a release date. Assuming nothing goes horribly awry in the next few months, you can expect the game to hit the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on May 3rd in North America, and May 6th worldwide. Still need a bit more convincing? Head on past the break for the trailer. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Get some Duke Nukem Forever on May 3, 2011 [update]
It will have taken over a decade to get here, but we can finally, definitively tell you that Duke Nukem Forever may really, actually launch on May 3 in North America, followed by its worldwide release on May 6. Game Informer exclusively revealed the launch date alongside cheeky remarks from Gearbox Software prez Randy Pitchford, who humbly characterized his company's experience with the project as "inconceivable, incorrigible and inspiring." 2K Games head Christoph Hartmann was equally excited, exclaiming, "The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here ... His return is going to be epic and one that will make video gaming history!" And we tend to agree -- DNF will be that rare game that's impressive simply for being released. Heck, we haven't felt that way about a game since Gran Turismo 5. Update: Catch the new trailer after the break. Update 2: Whoops! Looks like Gearbox spoke too soon and the Duke won't be arriving on May 3 after all.
Borderlands: GOTY on Mac Dec. 3
Borderlands' game of the year edition is heading to Mac on December 3. Like previous editions of the compilation, it will include the four DLC packs (The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned, Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot, The Secret Armory of General Knoxx and Claptrap's New Robot Revolution) and cost $49.95 in the States, £34.95 in the UK and €39.95 in mainland Europe. This Borderlands announcement comes shortly after 2K Games also revealed that Civilization 5 would make its way to the Mac on November 23. Those interested in the system specs required to observe a Claptrap in its native habitat should head on past the break.
PSA: Borderlands title update 1.41 is now live on PS3 and PC; Xbox 360 patch MIA [Update: now live on Xbox 360]
We guess "a few weeks" means "next week" in Gearbox-speak. The level-raising update for Borderlands is now live. PS3 and PC users haven't complained of issues -- we've yet to see it go live on Xbox 360. [Update: It's now live on Xbox 360!] Outside of eight new levels of XP to accrue, players will also find all enemies and bosses now scale to level, and some bugs in the ClapTrap DLC have been squashed.
Duke Nukem Forever interview: An end in sight
Duke Nukem Forever might actually be completed and released -- but like most everyone, I won't be convinced until the final product is in my hands. During a recent press event, I played through the same demo we saw at PAX and spoke with 2K Games senior producer Melissa Miller, who did her best to reassure me that the game might actually, maybe, seriously come out. "It's really amazing when you think about it, because these guys -- along with everybody else -- thought Duke Nukem was dead," Miller recalled of one of the current developers, Triptych Games, which was founded by nine ex-members of 3D Realms. "And they were a group that just said, 'No, we're not gonna let this stop.'"
Borderlands cap-raising title update due 'within a couple of weeks'
Gearbox Software has posted an update on its forums, addressing the continued absence of the latest Borderlands patch. Title Update 1.41 was meant to arrive around the October 12 launch of the first-person shooter's Game of the Year Edition, but will now launch "within a couple of weeks." "The Title Update is finished and in the process of being reviewed for launch. We are almost green lit across the board for this free update to be launched, but we still need just one more light to turn green," wrote Gearbox marketing coordinator Adam Fletcher. "In other words – we're *almost* there! We expect that last light to turn green within a couple of weeks, possibly sooner. Once this happens, the Title Update will be made immediately available for all platforms." The patch will raise the level cap to 58 for all players, and up to 69 for those who have downloaded The Secret Armory of General Knoxx. The level cap has been the greatest source of frustration for players who have already hit the ceiling and don't want experience earned in Claptrap's New Robot Revolution going to waste. The update will also fix some Achievement/Trophy glitches, and adjust item drops and enemies according to the new level cap. Gearbox didn't elaborate on the reasons behind the delay, but talk of that "last" green light reminds us of a situation encountered by the makers of Monday Night Combat. According to Uber Entertainment's blog, their October title update was "caught up in a perfect storm of software changes and tons of new games coming out," and consequently became backlogged within Microsoft's certification process. To be fair, there are three platforms at play here, and we don't know whether Gearbox will insist on a simultaneous multiplatform release.
Claptrap yuks it up in Borderlands GOTY trailer
You know who loves Claptrap from Borderlands? Everyone, that's who. So bask in some silly (and somewhat profane) Claptrap goodness in a new trailer, which brings together several DLC characters to advertise the Game of the Year Edition. Unfortunately, there is no Claptrap dancing. Sorry.
Video: Gearbox takes us behind the scenes, kisses sharks
We wanna work at Gearbox. No, seriously -- don't tell our boss, but this Joystiq thing pales in comparison. Trust, after you watch the hilarious behind-the-scenes video of Gearbox HQ past the break, you'll probably want to hand over your degree in Sandwich Artisanry and join 'em, too.
Borderlands joins PS3, Xbox 360 greatest hits lineups
The core Borderlands game is now $30 as part of the Xbox 360 and PS3's respective "hits" lineups. If you're interested in the full Borderlands experience, the "Game of the Year Edition,", which includes all four DLC packs (regularly priced at $10 apiece), the math suggests you wait until October 12 for the $60 bundle. Borderlands' final piece of DLC, "ClapTrap's New Robot Revolution," is set to begin next Tuesday, September 28. There will also be a free update sometime in October, increasing the game's level cap to 69 and rebalancing the title to accommodate the DLC released over the past year. [Thanks, Azuvidexus]
XBLM in September: Borderlands' ClapTrap DLC on Sept. 28; Toy Soldiers deal and DLC
Borderlands' last DLC offering, "ClapTrap's New Robot Revolution," is easily the biggest highlight of Major Nelson's list of Xbox Live content coming throughout the rest of September. Aside from that, there's the Toy Soldiers "Invasion " DLC to look forward to on the following day, September 29. If you've yet to download the toy box's cool blend of action and tower defense, you'll find it discounted to 800 MS Points on Xbox Live Arcade next week. %Gallery-101838%
Pitchford: Duke Nukem Forever demo an 'important thing to do'
So you weren't at PAX last weekend, and didn't play Duke Nukem Forever? Well, then you probably agree with Gearbox's Randy Pitchford when he says that a playable demo for the mythical title is probably "an important thing to do." That's not a confirmation but, now that the cat's out of the bag, the company will start investigating ways to effectively market the game. Putting a demo in the hands of a skeptical audience is a good start, if PAX is any indication. If you missed it, you might still think of Duke Nukem Forever as vaporware, and remain convinced that Gearbox told PAX attendees that "it would be really funny" if they all pretended the game was playable. Wouldn't it be nice to lay your extremely paranoid fears to rest?
Gearbox discusses Aliens: Colonial Marines, Brothers in Arms, secret Pitchford-directed title, and more
During today's Gearbox Software panel, the developer took the opportunity to assuage concerns that new franchises like Borderlands and Duke Nukem are siphoning away time from its previous projects, like the Brothers in Arms series or the announced-in-2009-and-still-invisible Aliens: Colonial Marines. Pitchford even commented on one of the studio's three unannounced projects. "We're not announcing anything today, but we want to tell you guys that we really care about this franchise a lot," Gearbox co-founder Brian Martel said. "It's something we created and it really means a lot to us. It's not just a game about the combat. It's about the soldiers in the war. We'll deal with Baker and his men in future games for sure." So while they're not confirming that a Brothers in Arms game is in development currently, they are confirming that one will be at some point. But Martel did give us an idea of what we might expect from a future BiA offering: "But we also may do some other things that maybe treat the game in some different ways and take some different directions." So, modern warfare then? Pitchford then jumped in, agreeing. "It was our first original IP. So we'll be taking care of that one." Further confirming that a Brothers in Arms game is possibly in production, Pitchford said, " We've got a lot of action right now, but we're not ready quite yet to bring it out. We want to make sure we know we've got it right before we tell you what we're doing."
Free Borderlands update will raise level cap, rebalance main game
We've got bad news and good news. First, the bad news: The new Borderlands DLC pack – that's Claptrap's New Robot Revolution – won't include the two most requested features. Those would be a new level cap and a rebalancing of the main game to accomodate the new level cap. And neither of those will be included with the latest DLC. Now the good news: They are being included in a free update for the game across all three platforms, Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford told a live PAX audience that his studio resisted making it a part of a DLC pack since, if they included those features, "you'd have to buy every previous DLC" to get access to said features. So, instead, Pitchford said they were going to release a "free update to Borderlands that will both rebalance the original game around the level cap and increase the level cap for everyone." But Pitchford said the studio still struggled with how high to raise it. On the one hand, Gearbox didn't want to match the 11-point upgrade that many people paid for with the "General Knox" DLC, but on the other the devs didn't want it to be too low, like 5-points. Instead, they came up with another number. "With the current level cap at 61," Pitchford teased, "we realized if we added 8 levels ... " The audience groans. So the new level cap is 69 and it will be released sometime around the October 12th Borderlands Game of the Year Edition release.
