Duke Nukem Forever (partially lost original builds of first-person shooter sequel; 1996-2009): Difference between revisions

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|title=<center>Duke Nukem Forever (Original Builds)</center>
|title=<center>Duke Nukem Forever (Original Builds)</center>
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The game started off development using the ''Quake II'' engine, in 1998. A trailer was subsequently released.
The game started off development using the ''Quake II'' engine, in 1998. A trailer was subsequently released.


However, 3D Realms made the decision to switch to the Unreal Engine, a process that was to take a month to 6 weeks. In 1999, they released screenshots that showcased what could be achieved with the Unreal Engine, and shortly after, stated that the game would see a 2000 release.
However, 3D Realms made the decision to switch to the Unreal Engine,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20051216023821/http://www.planetduke.com/features/interviews/gb19980616_1.shtml A Duke Nukem fan website post from 1998 about the game's engine switch.] Retrieved 23 Apr '19</ref> a process that was to take a month to 6 weeks. In 1999, they released screenshots that showcased what could be achieved with the Unreal Engine, and shortly after, stated that the game would see a 2000 release.


In 2001, another trailer was released, which showed various improvements over ''Duke Nukem 3D'', with the trailer ending with the phrase ''"When it's ready"''. In 2002, the game was reworked yet again with another engine, with most of the original designs being reworked or scrapped. They announced that the game would be released in 2004, when it was announced that it had been reworked again, this time with the ''Doom 3'' engine.  
In 2001, another trailer was released, which showed various improvements over ''Duke Nukem 3D'', with the trailer ending with the phrase ''"When it's ready"''. In 2002, the game was reworked yet again with another engine, with most of the original designs being reworked or scrapped. They announced that the game would be released in 2004, when it was announced that it had been reworked again, this time with the ''Doom 3'' engine.<ref>[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/3d-realms-denies-duke-nukem-forever-using-doom-3-engine/1100-6107100/ GameSpot article on the change of engines.] Retrieved 23 Apr '19</ref>


In 2008, several screenshots were bundled as unlockable extras in the XBLA release of ''Duke Nukem 3D''. Then, in 2009, the development took an unexpected turn. 3D Realms was downsized, which resulted in the large majority of the development team being laid off.
In 2008, several screenshots were bundled as unlockable extras in the XBLA release of ''Duke Nukem 3D''. Then, in 2009, the development took an unexpected turn. 3D Realms was downsized, which resulted in the large majority of the development team being laid off.<ref>[https://kotaku.com/3d-realms-were-not-closing-spent-20-million-on-duke-5259942 Article on the layoff, including info about a lawsuit filed by 3D Realms.] Retrieved 23 Apr '19</ref>


More gameplay was also leaked online at this time. This is assumed to be one of the last builds/versions.
More gameplay was also leaked online at this time. This is assumed to be one of the last builds/versions.
   
   
The game was then remade, from scratch, by 2K Games and Gearbox. This version is what ended up being released as the final product. However, none of the previous builds have surfaced in playable states, and it is unlikely that they will ever leak.
The game was then remade, from scratch, by 2K Games and Gearbox.<ref>[https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/09/03/controversial-long-awaited-duke-nukem-forever-will-finally-be-released/ Announcement of the game resuming development.] Retrieved 23 Apr '19</ref> This version is what ended up being released as the final product. However, none of the previous builds have surfaced in playable states, and it is unlikely that they will ever leak.


==Videos==
==Videos==
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   |description3 =A compilation of all released trailers.
   |description3 =A compilation of all released trailers.
}}
}}
==References==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Lost video games]]
[[Category:Lost video games]]
[[Category:Historic]]
[[Category:Historic]]

Revision as of 17:27, 23 April 2019

DukeNukemForever.jpg

Cover of the final product.

Status: Lost

Duke Nukem Forever is a first-person shooter game that is notable for having one of the longest development cycles in gaming history, having started development in 1997 and being released in 2011.

The game had gone through numerous changes prior to release, including two early versions/builds that are now considered lost.

History

The game started off development using the Quake II engine, in 1998. A trailer was subsequently released.

However, 3D Realms made the decision to switch to the Unreal Engine,[1] a process that was to take a month to 6 weeks. In 1999, they released screenshots that showcased what could be achieved with the Unreal Engine, and shortly after, stated that the game would see a 2000 release.

In 2001, another trailer was released, which showed various improvements over Duke Nukem 3D, with the trailer ending with the phrase "When it's ready". In 2002, the game was reworked yet again with another engine, with most of the original designs being reworked or scrapped. They announced that the game would be released in 2004, when it was announced that it had been reworked again, this time with the Doom 3 engine.[2]

In 2008, several screenshots were bundled as unlockable extras in the XBLA release of Duke Nukem 3D. Then, in 2009, the development took an unexpected turn. 3D Realms was downsized, which resulted in the large majority of the development team being laid off.[3]

More gameplay was also leaked online at this time. This is assumed to be one of the last builds/versions.

The game was then remade, from scratch, by 2K Games and Gearbox.[4] This version is what ended up being released as the final product. However, none of the previous builds have surfaced in playable states, and it is unlikely that they will ever leak.

Videos

The 1998 trailer.

Footage from the Jace Hall show, which contains snippets of gameplay from 1:45 to around 2:15.

A compilation of all released trailers.

References