Pitchford: Duke Nukem Forever is "satirical", but feminist backlash would be "awesome"

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has said that while he feels Duke Nukem Forever's controversial content is satirical, he'd be delighted if the game attracted critique from feminist groups, if it helps to draw attention to problems in society.

"I'll tell you what, if some feminist organisation that is doing a great job advocating women's rights worldwide, which I think is really important, can get some advantage by using Duke... go for it," Pitchford said, speaking to Eurogamer.

"How is there a downside for humanity? Go for it. Take it. Use Duke. That would be awesome."

The CEO said that the game's more potentially controversial themes and inclusions are about having "wild fun" and largely "satirical", citing a specific example.

"Are men pigs or not? I don't know. I don't really care. I think people are people. But that's a joke in culture – men are pigs, haha – so you play with that joke."

Duke Nukem Forever is often described as politically incorrect and misogynistic, with some critics taking exception to its sexualised depiction of women, but Pitchford expressed strong feeling against discrimination in all its forms.

"The fact is there are people in this world who get s**t on for no other reason than just their identity, the colour of their skin, where they were born, their gender," he said.

"And that's f**king bullshit."

Thanks, Kotaku.