Gearbox explains 'Duke Nukem Forever' delay

Duke Nukem Forever's recent delay has been explained by developer Gearbox Studios.

President Randy Pitchford told Eurogamer that a May release could have been met, but has been moved in the "best interest" of fans waiting for the game.

"I think we may have been able to force May, but we think that would've introduced risks that would not have served gamers who have waited as long as we have to finally play Duke Nukem Forever," he 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."

He continued: "We are driven by fans who are as anxious for the game to finally be released as we are. 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."

Pitchford also responded to claims that the delay for the long-awaited title is a marketing ploy, stating: "No trick - we believed May when we announced it."

Originally scheduled for May, yesterday the studio revealed that it would be delayed by one month.

First announced by 3D Realms in 1997, the first-person shooter was cancelled in 2009 before 2K Games and Gearbox Software rescued the project last year.

> Click here to read our hands-on preview of Duke Nukem Forever