Duke Nukem Forever PC Uses Steamworks

By Kevin Parrish
published

The PC version of Duke Nukem Forever will arrive with support for Valve's Steam platform.

Tuesday Gearbox Software and 2K Games said that the PC version of Duke Nukem Forever will include Steamworks when it ships in May.

"What does this mean for you?" Gearbox asked on the Duke Nukem Forever forums. "It means that regardless of where or how you buy Duke Nukem Forever on PC, your purchase will be tied to your Steam account, ensuring that you'll always be able to install a copy of the game even if you lose your disc."

The move isn't surprising, but the news now leaves us wondering what will happen in regards to brick-and-mortar retailers who are opposed to selling PC games packaged with Steamworks. As it stands now, the selection of PC games is limited at best, reduced to a few shelves or a small, standalone rack as opposed to the countless shelves mounted on each wall exclusively for console games. Banning Steam-based PC games would mean an even lesser selection-- and possibly no Duke Nukem Forever at all.

"If we have a digital service, then I don't want to start selling a rival in-store," said one retailer executive.

But presently GameStop is still signed up to offer the $89.99 PC version of the Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel bundle featuring a collectible bust of our favorite action hero, a 100-page hardcover book, poker chips, a mini-card deck and other collectibles.

Those who pre-order the PC version now will receive an additional DLC Pack called Duke's Big Package which includes the Ego Boost, Big Heads and Lady Killing War-Drobe mods. Pre-ordering also buys a ticket into the Early Access Club which grants first dibs on the demo (read: Duke Nukem Forever demo on PC!), exclusive assets, developer access and other goodies.

Duke Nukem Forever arrives on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows PC on May 3, 2011.

Kevin Parrish
49 Comments Comment from the forums
  • reprotected
    First I saw Steam in Steamworks, so I was happy, then I saw Steamworks, and I was disappointed, then I clicked the article and found out it was coming to Steam, so I was once again happy.
    Reply
  • lradunovic77
    lol is this for real or Duke Nukem is really coming again after so many years?
    Reply
  • MxM
    FTA "ensuring that you'll always be able to install a copy of the game even if you lose your disc."

    No, it ensures that you can not loan game to a friend or sell it. If they just worry about re-downloading the game, they could have give you ability to run the game without STEAM, and a STEAM code for your copy, so that you could register it with STEAM if you want to.

    OH! The twisting of truth!
    Reply
  • davewolfgang
    Yup, if Steam didn't "have" to install a program on MY computer to work - I might think more of it.

    But since it does - it won't ever get used by me.
    Reply
  • jpmucha
    I never thought I'd say this, but I almost exclusively buy my games on Steam. I've repurchased things on Steam so I can get rid of the box... I don't know what's wrong with me :)
    Reply
  • whiteout506
    I was actually thinking about skipping Duke Nukem Forever in favor of my already reserved copy of Bulletstorm, but now that I see the goodies in the Balls of Steel edition, I'm tempted to pre-order it. :P
    Reply
  • Trueno07
    I would take a platform where Publishers feel comfortable releasing their games on over have the option to share my games with others.

    I can't share a game if it's never released .
    Reply
  • wooodoggies
    WHY GOD WHHHYYYYY
    Reply
  • -Fran-
    MxMFTA "ensuring that you'll always be able to install a copy of the game even if you lose your disc."No, it ensures that you can not loan game to a friend or sell it. If they just worry about re-downloading the game, they could have give you ability to run the game without STEAM, and a STEAM code for your copy, so that you could register it with STEAM if you want to. OH! The twisting of truth!
    No, that's just one way of reading it ;D

    And you can let your friends play your games over Steam ;D

    Cheers!
    Reply
  • killbits
    davewolfgangYup, if Steam didn't "have" to install a program on MY computer to work - I might think more of it. But since it does - it won't ever get used by me.
    You're installing a program on YOUR precious computer every time you get a new game anyway! Logic fail! Steam is no different. Why do you own a computer if you are too high and mighty to install programs on it?

    Reply