1.0 - What is Duke Nukem Forever?  
Duke Nukem Forever is the upcoming First Person Shooter (FPS) from 3D Realms. It is part four in a series of PC games featuring Duke Nukem as the hero. Parts one (Duke Nukem) and two (Duke Nukem 2) were sidescrollers / platform games, and part three, Duke Nukem 3D, was an FPS. Duke Nukem 3D became one of the top selling games of all time and is a very important part of FPS gaming history; it is one of the few "legendary" titles together with Quake and Doom. There have also been console versions of Duke Nukem games, as well as the recently released 3D-platform game, Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project; but these are not direct sequels to Duke Nukem 3D.
 
 
1.1 - About the Title
This FAQ will mention DNF throughout, as an abbreviation for Duke Nukem Forever. For the purposes of this FAQ, 3D Realms wanted it made clear that the title of the game is Duke Nukem Forever, not Duke 4, Duke4Ever, DNF, or any other title. The title of the game will be Duke Nukem Forever. Nevertheless, they have been known to use its abbreviation of DNF from time to time.  
 
 
1.2 - Who is developing DNF?
The Garland, Texas-based company, 3D Realms. They developed the world famous Duke Nukem games and many other successful and well-known titles like Shadow Warrior and Rise of the Triad. For more information we suggest you just visit their site, especially their corporate profile.  
 
 
* 1.3 - Who is publishing DNF?
Take 2 Interactive Software is publishing DNF. Prior to this, it was announced in a press release that the Gathering of Developers has acquired publishing rights to Duke Nukem Forever. Prior to that, their publisher was Infogrames (now known as Atari), who bought out GT Interactive as well as the DNF rights. Even before that, GT Interactive had bought the rights from FormGen.  
 
 
1.4 - Who is Duke Nukem?
Do we really have to tell you this? Well, if we must. . . Click here to learn who Duke Nukem is.  
 
 
1.5 - Wasn't 3D Realms once planning another game under the name Duke Nukem Forever?
Yes, the game now known as Duke Nukem Forever was originally referred to as Duke Nukem 4 in early 1997, while 3D Realms considered the idea of a new side scrolling Duke title which was referred to as Duke Nukem Forever. 3D Realms' George Broussard once described the original Duke Nukem Forever side-scroller as "a really cool 3D side-scroller like Donkey Kong Country."  
 
When plans for the side-scroller were abandoned, its name was too good to let go to waste, so Duke Nukem 4 has ever since been known as Duke Nukem Forever.  
 
The abandoned 3D side-scroller version will never be released due to legal reasons, nor will any screenshots. Sorry.  
 
 
1.6 - Will DNF be available for any platforms other than Windows?
Duke Nukem Forever will initially be released for Windows only. It is also possible, but not definite, that Duke Nukem Forever will be ported to the Macintosh. However, the decision on what to port DNF to (if anything) has not been made yet. It all depends on whether or not DNF sells well enough.  
 
 
1.7 - Will DNF be released for the Microsoft Xbox and other consoles?
There is a slight possibility that it might be ported over to the Xbox. In an interview dated October 10, 2000, Scott Miller said that they would "be crazy not to do that, in fact, simply because it's so easy to make an Xbox version once you've got a PC version." It is still unknown whether or not there will be an Xbox release or not.  
 
Here's what Joe Siegler had to say regarding this question: "The official answer is that we haven't decided. Xbox is likely, but not formally decided. As for Gamecube - if we couldn't get Max on there (and believe me, we wanted to), then I doubt DNF would work there either."  
 
 
1.8 - Will DNF be available on DVD?
This still has not been decided yet, however the chances of this happenning are slim. It is important to note that DVD's are not mainstream yet, at least not in the software industry. So 3D Realms would have to have DNF on both CD's and DVD's if they decided to do so and as a result would not be too cost effective. More information will be available as the game nears completion.  
 
 
1.9 - Why has DNF been in development for over 4 years?
Development on DNF originally started after 3D Realms got the Quake 2 engine in December 1997. Prior to that they experimented with Quake I technology until Quake II tech was available. The Quake I part was not considered actual development on DNF, if anything just R&D on potentially using Quake technology. The reason why they seem to be so late is because they switched engines in the middle of development to the Unreal engine and have added lots of new features to it. This obviously takes its toll on the timeframe. The only thing that remained the same when they made the switch to Unreal tech was the textures, all maps and meshes were redone.
 
* 1.10 - When can I pre-order the game?
While there is no exact date yet, you can expect to be able to pre-order the game roughly 30 - 60 days before its release. Also note that some online stores are already taking orders for DNF; this is merely reserving a copy of DNF for yourself. They do not charge you for your order until they ship the game. So if you want to guarantee yourself a copy or two of DNF when it's released, that's what you'll want to do.
 
 
* 1.11 - When will DNF be released?
DNF will be released "When It's Done." What this means is that 3D Realms will not release the game until they are sure it is the best first person shooter ever. There is no exact date, and any dates currently offered by anyone are purely speculation.
 
 
1.12 - Why is DNF taking so long?
While this question constantly comes up from concerned fans, the fact is that the game is not taking as long as it may seem. As stated by several 3D Realms employees numerous times, quality games simply take time. What has been taking the most time is all of the optimizations and additions 3D Realms has been making. In the words of George Broussard, "The fact is that we're not massively delayed. Going to Unreal did set us back, but mainly because we refused to be a TC and not advance tech. We added LOD, skeletal animation, motion capture, and tons of other little enhancements to the Unreal engine to make it more interactive. That all takes time."  
 
Level designer Stephen Cole has also commented on this issue: "If DNF was a TC, it would be done by now. Levels, art, models, all are easy and quick to produce. If you want a rehashed TC, that is. If, however, you want something you haven't seen before, it takes time. If you want something that won't be outdated when it comes out, it takes more time."  
 
And also some comments by Joe Siegler: "If we had wanted some quickie piece of crap, it would have been out ages ago. It takes time to innovate - it doesn't take any time to shovel any old crap out there. Since we are not a publically held company, we aren't beholden to the same things that some big companies hold their development teams to, hence we can afford to take the time to make a quality product. Besides, once it's released, no one will care how long it took, they'll care that they have a cool fun game."  
 
See question 1.9 above.  
 
 
* 1.13 - When will we see some more screenshots of DNF?
This is another question that constantly comes up. 3D Realms has not been releasing screenshots because they don't want fans to see too much of the game before it is released. This takes away from the overall experience of playing the game, and more specifically, it makes sure the fans are surprised while playing the game.  
 
3D Realms does not plan to release any new shots until right before the game is released. To see more of the game be sure to check out the E3 2001 video at http://www.planetduke.com/features/articles/e301/  
 
Here's a quote from George Broussard regarding screenshots: "As for new shots...we plan to do some, but not just yet. I promise they will devastate the old ones though, and should be worth the wait. We're very comfortable with where we are at the moment and just working."  
 
 
1.14 - Will a shareware/demo version of DNF be released?
Yes. When it will be released is still undecided, but there definitely will be one.
 
 
1.15 - What editing tools, if any, will be released with DNF?
DukeEd, 3D Realms' modified version of the multipurpose UnrealEd, and all related editing tools will be included free on the DNF CD for all of your level design, art importing, and scripting needs. This has been 3D Realms' policy for quite some time now.
 
 
1.16 - Does 3D Realms have any plans for DNF add-ons?
Yes, here's what 3D Realms' George Broussard stated on the subject in January 1999:  
 
"There will likely be several add-ons for DNF. I doubt 3DR will be doing any directly because we want to immediately jump into a new game. But we will monitor and enforce the quality of the add-ons for DNF, and make sure they are better than the ones done for Duke 3D. We'll know more when we get closer to the release of the game."  
 
 
1.17 - The soundtrack to the DNF E3 2001 video rocked! Who made it?
The soundtrack you hear in the background of the Duke Nukem Forever E3 2001 video was made by David Arkenstone. You can find more information about him at his website. To watch the E3 2001 video again, click here.  
 
 
1.18 - Can I download the DNF E3 2001 video's soundtrack on MP3?
Yes. It is available at FilePlanet here.  
 
 
1.19 - Is Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project the abandoned 3D side-scroller version of Duke Nukem Forever (mentioned above)?
No. Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project is a whole new game. More information can be found on the official Manhattan Project website. Also be sure to check out our preview of the game.  
 
 
1.20 - Will there be a "Making of DNF" documentary on the CD?
George Broussard responded to this question on 07/12/02. Here is his response:  
 
"It's too early to tell, but most of us like the idea of including a little 30-40 page behind the scenes booklet in the box (like an additional manual), that would have lots of behind the scenes pictures and info.  
 
"It wouldn't surprise me if we did it."  
 
 
* 1.21 - I just saw a DNF release date up at Amazon/EBgames! Is it true?
No, sorry but it's not. The current official release date is still "When it's done." Retailers such as EBgames, Amazon.com and others, always like to make up release dates. Now that's not saying all their release dates are made up, but the one for Duke Nukem Forever is.  
 
Also see question 1.11 above.  
 
 
1.22 - I was amazed by the E3 2001 video, will we ever see another before DNF's release?
Most likely, yes.  
 
"I'm certain we will do another movie." --George Broussard  
 
 
1.23 - What's with all the talk of putting DNF in a DVD case?
In the past, 3D Realms has expressed interest in shipping DNF in a DVD case (the same packaging used for DVD movies, Xbox games, PS2 games, etc.).  
 
Here's what George Broussard had to say about this: "We're not doing DNF on a DVD, but we will try to put it in a DVD box. We'll see."  
 
And Joe Siegler: "For the record, what's being discussed here is DNF being in a DVD CASE - not on DVD itself. Unless there's some secret thing I've never been told about here, there's no chance it will be on DVD as a format."  
 
In addition to this, for all of you people living in Europe (and most other areas), you do not need to worry about this issue since word has it you guys already get all your games in DVD cases. This is mainly a North American issue.  
 
 
* 1.24 - With all the pressure from the publisher, is 3D Realms in trouble?
You might be referring to the public pressure (in the media) being applied by Take Two regarding the fact that DNF is not out yet... here is the one and only response:  
 
George Broussard (May 30, 2003): "Just bear in mind that 3DR funds DNF 100% out of our own pockets. Take Two does nothing. If we didn't have utmost confidence in our abilities and the future of the game, then why would we continue to fund it ourselves? We could easily quit, scrap it, and do some other game.
 
"All we want to do is keep quiet, work on the game, and emerge later and show you what we're working on. We don't want hype. We don't want drama...  
 
"But just remember, it's our time and our money we are spending on the game. So either we're absolutely stupid and clueless, or we believe in what we are working on. In the end, you guys will judge the final results. For now, all we want to do is keep quiet and work."  
 
 
* 1.25 - Where did all the videos and screenshots on the 3D Realms website go?
They are gone. 3D Realms took them down because they felt the screenshots and videos (most of which were released in 2001 or pre-2001) no longer reflect the current look and feel of the game.
 
Nevertheless, you can still find them here on PlanetDuke since we keep everything up for historical purposes and for your viewing pleasure.