Duke Nukem Forever Delay Isn't a Trick, Was Required to Polish It

Gearbox Software, the development studio of the infamous Duke Nukem Forever project, has talked about the game's new delay and how it was necessary to make sure gamers will get a great experience.

Last week's new delay for Duke Nukem Forever let down quite a lot of fans who have been eagerly awaiting the game that's been in development for over 13 years.

According to Gearbox President Randy Pitchford, who talked with Eurogamer, the delay isn't a trick or a carefully rehearsed gag, as the team needs the extra month to polish the game and make sure players are getting a worthwhile experience.

"No trick - we believed May when we announced it," Pitchford said. "There is always uncertainty and we use experience and trends to help us be predictive. We are not perfect when it comes to predicting uncertain outcomes, but we are perfect at being committed to our goals and working relentlessly towards them."

The Gearbox executive said that if the team were to really push harder, Duke Nukem Forever could have reached its original May release date, but the end result wouldn't have been up to the expectations of many gamers.

He continues, saying that it still aims to satisfy the legions of Duke Nukem fans with the game they've been waiting for.

"We are driven by fans who are as anxious for the game to finally be released as we are," he insisted. "The continued support of our fans does miracles for our morale and that drives quality and performance. It's for the fans that I am confident this slight schedule adjustment is the right thing to do."

Duke Nukem Forever, after seemingly being caught in development limbo at 3D Realms, was finally moved to Gearbox Software back in 2009, which promised to see it completed.

The game was scheduled for a May release, but was delayed last week for June 10, in Europe, and June 14, in North America, when it appears for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.