After original developer 3D Realms spent zillions of time and money on creating the game, only for it to pull the studio under, Duke Nukem Forever is back. And this time it might actually come out.

2K Games and Gearbox Software are behind the revival that will see Duke come to Xbox 360, PS3 and PC “in calendar 2011”. Good to see they’re still being just as coy about the date as 3D Realms always were.

Apparently, Duke’s revival was the #1 worldwide trending topic on Twitter for September 3rd against the news of Hurricane Earl in the US and the Christchurch earthquake.

"All great things take time... a lot of time," said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. "After a hiatus from the video game world, Duke Nukem is back and better than ever. The return of the King from the glory days of shooters will satisfy our patient, die-hard fans, as well as a new generation of bubble gum-chewing, flat top and shades-wearing bad-asses. Make no mistake about it - Duke Nukem Forever is a testament to the era of when shooters were bodacious and fun."

Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford, added, “Gearbox has enabled die-hard key Duke Nukem franchise builders and skilled veteran game makers to stand together and deliver. All gamers deserve a happy ending and after all of us gamers feeling the full range of emotions about Duke Nukem Forever, I am thrilled to be in a position with the trust, power and means to make it happen.”

And here’s some leaked footage from the PAX expo in the US.