2K Games Dates Duke Nukem Forever

Wired is going to have to find itself another Vaporware Award winner. 2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today that Duke Nukem Forever -- the Chinese Democracy of video games -- will finally be released in May.

It's taken 13 years, tens of millions of dollars, and a couple lawsuits, but the videogame that created the Vaporware Award is officially coming soon -- and 2K and Gearbox mean it this time.

"When I said goodbye to 3D Realms and the original Duke Nukem 3D team in 1997 and soon after founded Gearbox Software, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that a day like today would come," Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford said. "Today I am proud, humbled and even astounded to announce that the day is coming at last for all gamers to be a part of video game history: Duke Nukem Forever will launch worldwide this May."

A rundown on the over-the-top action from Gearbox:

Put on your shades and prepare to step into the boots of Duke Nukem, whose legend has reached epic proportions in the years since his last adventure. The alien hordes are invading and only Duke can save the world. Pig cops, alien shrink rays and enormous alien bosses can't stop our hero from accomplishing his one and only goal: to save the world, save the babes and to be a bad-ass while doing it. The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, non-stop action, and unprecedented levels of interactivity. This game puts the pedal to the metal and tongue firmly in cheek. Shoot hoops, lift weights, read adult magazines, draw crude messages on whiteboards or ogle the many hot women that occupy Duke's life -- that is if you can pull yourself away long enough from destroying alien invaders. Duke Nukem was andwill forever be a gaming icon, and this is his legend.

Duke Nukem Forever is a Windows PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 title. The game is set to ship on May 3 in North America and May 6 worldwide.