Duke Nukem will be back

21 June 2011

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive Software, publisher of Duke Nukem Forever, has discussed the Duke Nukem IP post-Forever launch with Forbes.

Zelnick responded to the controversy which arose around Duke Nukem Forever’s adult content and humour: “We take ratings guidelines and marketing guidelines as seriously as a heart attack around here. We do not market mature products to children. We are incredibly serious about it.”

“That said, when we put something out I stand behind it, and will not compromise. When you put all those things all together it’s difficult to be critical of the company. Because here in America, thank God, we have the ability to do what we want. What is there left to be said? I’m sorry if you don’t like it. Don’t consume it,” said Zelnick.

On the future of the Duke Nukem intellectual property, Zelnick said: “You will see future Duke IP coming from this company. Part of it is the economic opportunities that interact with entertainment are so huge. Part of it is that we are very creative folks in control. Part of it is we don’t want to ever be in the position of dumping something down just to make another buck.”

“If we can take some of our intellectual property and bring it to another medium in an extraordinary high quality way, that delights consumers and represents an interesting commercial opportunity for us, we will. We have certainly considered doing that with BioShock and with other titles. So far we haven’t brought anything to market, but stay tuned,” said Zelnick.

Strauss Zelnick
Strauss Zelnick

With Take-Two perpetually rumoured to be working on a BioShock movie spinoff with Universal Studios, is it far-fetched to wonder if Zelnick is hinting at a possible Duke Nukem movie? If that is only wishful thinking for the time being, a new Duke Nukem game is probably inevitable.

Despite mediocre critical reviews, Duke Nukem Forever has apparently been doing rather well in sales. Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford took to twitter saying: “With sales data, it seems like customers love Duke. I guess sometimes we want greasy hamburgers instead of caviar…”

Duke Nukem voice actor Jon St. John also responded to negative critical feedback, telling JoyPads: “I have no comments regarding bad reviews by clueless critics. They seem to want to compare Duke Nukem Forever to Call Of Duty and other FPS’s and they are missing the point. My thoughts about Duke Nukem Forever: It freakin ROCKS! Lots of action, lots of fun, sexy, funny, irreverent… It’s everything I hoped it would be.”

Duke Nukem will be back << Comments and views

You have read 1 out of 5 free articles. Log in or register for unlimited access.

Read now

The best gaming website in South Africa
MyGaming proudly displays the “FAIR” stamp of the Press Council of South Africa, indicating our commitment to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Print and online media which prescribes that our reportage is truthful, accurate and fair. Should you wish to lodge a complaint about our news coverage, please lodge a complaint on the Press Council’s website, www.presscouncil.org.za or email the complaint to [email protected] Contact the Press Council on 011 4843612.