Take-Two: 'Duke Nukem Forever' Will Be Profitable; Possible Sequel

Game Rant

By GR Staff

Published Aug 10, 2011

The wait was worth it as Take-Two Interactive is expected to make a profit from their long delayed, and poorly received, 'Duke Nukem Forever' but will we see another Duke Nukem sequel?

It's fair to say that Duke Nukem Forever hasn't enjoyed the most privileged of existences. With 14 years of stalled development time and a heap of unflattering reviews upon release, you wouldn't be alone in wondering why Gearbox Software decided to pick-up the game.

Now it appears the decision has been vindicated, at least financially, for the developer and the games long suffering publisher Take-Two Interactive.

Speaking during an earnings call, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick declared that, despite poor reception from gamers and critics, the game was projected to achieve a profit for company.

"Although it received disappointing reviews from critics, the release is projected to be profitable for Take-Two."

As we reported back in July, sales figures from the NPD group show that Duke Nukem Forever was the second highest selling game in June, further underlining Take-Two's confidence in the title to generate a profit. With DLC anticipated for release this fall, there may yet be more profits for the game down the line.

As for the future of Duke Nukem himself, Take-Two has stated in recent times that it is fully committed to the IP. Zelneck explained in June Duke still has a future with the company and rumors of the character appearing in a Hollywood flick have long been discussed - while the chances of a sequel to Forever go all the way back to before 3D Realms folded. It'd be be silly to count Duke out at this point.

For those unaware of the situation, Duke Nukem Forever became a long running joke within the games industry. It's extended development time saw the numerous development team changes and eventual lack of funds - leading to the project's indefinite hiatus in 2009 (when the game's original developer 3D Realms went broke). It wasn't until late 2010 that Gearbox Software was handed the reigns - and led the game to its eventual release.

Did you think Duke Nukem Forever would be profitable? Did the poor reviews turn you off from buying the game?

Duke Nukem Forever is out now for the Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and OnLive.