Duke was originally going to have a sidekick in the form of a gay robot. This wasn't to make fun of gay people, but to add depth to Duke's character. The idea was scrapped during development because the robot had a tragic ending, and the developers felt that Duke was more about action than tragedy.

"'Sexuality is part of the Duke personality.' The head of Gearbox explained that the original idea behind the sidekick was 'to explore how Duke would relate to a peer that might have a different sexual orientation.'"

"Ultimately the robot was in a situation where for in order for victory against the aliens to be accomplished, the robot's inner workings - a nuclear generator - had to be sacrificed."

"Duke is all about having a good time. Do you want to pay $60 to feel like crap? No!"