Pitchford explains Duke Nukem Forever delay

Gearbox head Randy Pitchford has offered his excuses explanations for the latest Duke Nukem Forever delay, declaiming marketing shenanigans.

"No trick - we believed May when we announced it," Pitchford told Eurogamer.

"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."

The CEO said the company might have been able to meet its May deadline, but chose not to risk a hit to quality in the context of Duke Nukem Forever's twelve year development and associated anticipation.

"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," he added.

Duke Nukem Forever finally came out of over a decade of vapourware fears after Gearbox rescued it, leading to much horror and confusion at yesterday's delay announcement.

Don't hold your breath, but expect the Duke on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on June 14 in the US and June 10 everywhere else.