We’re all still in shock and awe after last week’s surprise revelation that Gearbox Software will complete development of 3D Realm’s Duke Nukem Forever. Now prepare yourself for another one with news from 2K Games that Duke Nukem Forever will be available for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC in 2011.

The publisher promises to bring Duke Nukem, “the interactive entertainment industry’s most irreverent and quoted character of all time,” back with “his signature brand of babe-lovin’, cigar-smoking, beer-chugging and ass-kicking action as he once again saves the Earth and our babes from hordes of invading aliens.” The publisher also announced that it has the exclusive, long-term publishing rights to the game.

In another surprising turn of events the title was actually playable at last week’s Penny Arcade Expo so expect more gamplay footage to start emerging soon. And no one’s happier about the Duke’s return than 2K Games and Gearbox Software.

“All great things take time… a lot of time,” laughs 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.”

“Hail to the king, baby! It’s unbelievable, it kicks ass and it’s totally going to happen!” said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software, “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. Am I crazy? Balls of steel, baby, balls of steel!”

Find out more about Duke Nukem Forever below and keep your dial tuned to El33tonline for more information as and when it emerges.

“Put on your sunglasses 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 back and only Duke can save the world, again. Pig cops, alien shrink rays and enormous alien bosses won’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 of All Shooters is back with over-the-top weapons, massive aliens and unprecedented levels of interactivity. This game puts pedal to the metal and tongue firmly in cheek, among other places. Shoot hoops, lift weights, read adult magazines, draw crude messages on whiteboards or ogle one of the many beautiful women that populate Duke’s life; that is if you can pull yourself away long enough from kicking ass and taking names. Duke Nukem was and will forever be immortalized in gaming history, and this is his legend.”

You can also check out the box art for the game below: