Remember when you first finished Half-Life 2: Episode 2? The excitement? The shock? You were ready to set out with Alyx at your side, ready to show those alien bastards who’s boss. The trilogy, and with it, the Combine’s rule over Earth, would end soon.
Except it didn’t. At the time of this writing, almost five years have passed since the supposed release date of the final instalment in Gordon Freeman’s saga. Half-Life 2: Episode Three was slated to arrive Christmas 2007. It didn’t. As the weeks and months went by, confused fans tried to glean whatever information they could from Valve, but, by and large, they were unsuccessful. The company remained silent.
In this Kotaku Timeline, we follow the fans’ process of dealing with Valve’s silence, cataloguing their forays into leaked code, and their communications with the developers. We detail the ways the gaming press interacted with Valve over the years, and list what little has been revealed. In addition, we will keep watch over the game, and take note of any events, good or bad, in the months and years to come.
There were no mentions of the final episode — called Half-Life 3 by some — between 1999, when Valve registered the domain halflife3.com, and 2006. But then, announcements were made, and names were dropped. And so this is where our timeline begins…
April/May — Gaben and episodic gaming
In the May issue of the print version of PC Gamer, Valve Software co-founder Gabe Newell talks about Half-Life 2 and its episodes (including Episode 3!), and why he thinks episodic gaming is the way to go. A full transcript is available through the link below.
While talking to RPS, Episode 2 project lead David Speyrer says the reason for not having an Episode 3 trailer is that they don’t want to make promises they can’t keep. (Which is ironic, considering Episode 3 was supposed to ship in 2007.)
Three files are found by a Steam forum user in a folder titled “Episode3″ in the Source SDK. They’re later described as unused leftover assets by a Valve employee.
The first pieces of concept art for Episode 3 are released. Take a long, good look at them, folks, ’cause you won’t be seeing anything like these for a while.
Steam forum user surfrock22 creates a petition, asking Valve for more and better communication after their latest failure to deliver news on Episode 3 (they announced Left 4 Dead 2 instead.)
August 12 — Gabe talks to Steamcast, but doesn’t have much to say
Steamcast, a (now discontinued) fan podcast for all things Valve, nabs an exclusive interview with Gabe Newell, who briefly talks about why there’s been no Episode 3 news. You can read a transcript of the relevant segments below.
Steamcast: Alright, first question: this is one of the most commonly asked questions that we had received and we’ve tried to format it into something you might be able to answer: you’d kept Episode 3 under incredibly heavy wraps thus far; we’d like to know why have you chosen to adapt such a reclusive approach this time around, as opposed to previous releases. Was it based on the reception you’d received about letting out too much info prior to Episode 2, or just something completely different?
Gabe Newell: I think that what’s going on, you know, we’re sort of always experimenting, we’re always trying out different kinds of things, and that has positive as well as negative consequences for ourselves and for the community — so if you look at our different products, we’re trying out these different rhythms. (Ed.: Here Gabe talks about how Valve handles updates for Team Fortress 2 and Left 4 Dead.) Right now, the Half-Life 2 episodes themselves are on a third sort of rhythm, and, you know, we think it makes sense for the product and for what we’re trying to do there. The reason that we’re not talking about anything is mainly that we don’t have anything to say; it’s not like we decided we released too much information, it’s just that if we had information that we were in a position to deliver to people, we would — and right now we don’t have anything to say about it. It really is a consequence of these different rhythms to release schedules we’re trying out. (…) So, Ep 3 is sort of victim to our willingness to experiment, and as soon as we have stuff that we’re ready to say about Ep 3, we will.
December 18 — “Call for Communication” hits 1,000 signatures
The “Call for Communication” petition hits its original goal of 1000 collected signatures. The creator sends an email to Valve, but unfortunately, there’s no response.
While organising a conference call with Valve’s writing team for a Portal 2 Q&A session, News.com.au deviously sneaks in a question about Episode 3. Sadly, they don’t get an answer.
Keighley: “Portal 2 will probably be Valve’s last game with an isolated single-player experience.”
A quote from the Final Hours of Portal 2, a documentary-app detailing the last stages of Portal 2′s development, seems to suggest that Valve is done making single-player games.
June 22 — Gabe still refuses to talk about Episode 3
Gabe: “If you know enough to ask the question, you know what the answer is.”
Gabe appears at the Games for Change festival held at NYU, primarily to talk about the role of video games in education. When asked about Episode 3, he (predictably) refuses to answer.
September 19 — Hey, guess what; there’s some new Episode 3 code out in the wild
A beta tester leaks the Dota 2 beta client. People immediately begin datamining the files, and they naturally find several bits of code related to Episode 3. At this point, one begins to wonder if Valve is doing it on purpose.
Dec 22 — Here’s a fresh new batch of Episode 3 rumors
~12:55am — A fairly crazy theory of a possible new game in 2012
Valve releases the unaired Video Game Awards Character of the Year acceptance speech of Wheatley, one of Portal 2‘s main characters. An off-hand remark Wheatley makes prompts some wild speculation about a new game.
A Steamcast co-host posts on the Steam Forums that he’s been told by an unnamed informant that Gabe “has given the go ahead to drop hints for the next Half-Life game”. Gabe later partly debunks this rumour.
December 23 — JPL denies any involvement in Episode 3
JPL: “Wish I had better news for you. I would love to do another episode.”
John Patrick Lowrie, veteran Half-Life voice actor and husband of GLaDOS’ voice actress Ellen McLain, in a post unrelated to Half-Life, tells commenters that neither he nor his wife have been contacted by Valve regarding Episode 3.
Garry Newman, the man behind the vastly popular Garry’s Mod, tweets a picture of a Half-Life 3 shirt supposedly sent to him by Valve. Later, he says it was only a joke. This of course kicks the LambdaGeneration rumour mill into overdrive.
In a move far less insane than Operation: Crowbar, tens of thousands of fans plan to play Half-Life 2 together on the same day to send Valve a message.
The event catapults Half-Life 2 to the 11th spot on Steam’s list of most played games. But did it have the effect the organisers had hoped it would? (Spoilers: It didn’t.)
The ever-vigilant Steam forum community uncovers some animation files belonging to a side character from Episode 2 that are definitely new. Not very interesting, but new.
September 20 — Someone says Half-Life 3 is now an open-world game
French gamer site Journal de Gamer reports that, according to an anonymous source close to Valve (we certainly haven’t heard that before), the series is moving away from its linear roots towards Skyrim-esque open-world gameplay.
During /v/’s birthday visit to Gabe at Valve HQ, he (shockingly) shows willingness to divulge a few facts about a new engine they’re working on. Unfortunately, he doesn’t really talk about what it’s for. Full video of the event to the left.
Disappointing to have a company be so private about everything.
Mentioning that they are working on it, clearly instead of using "you know what I mean" references would be appreciated, I'm sure.
I understand what you're getting at, but I can also understand why people are so upset with the radio silence over HL3. I mean, Valve know it's what their fanbase want but keep stalling/releasing different games. Valve keep shooting themselves in the foot over this.
This always is an interesting point to raise. People's entitlement issues aside though, what we can say about Valve is that they initially lead everyone to believe it was 6-12 months away, and then now they refuse to say anything about the game. This is bad consumer relations, but of course some people react to it better than others.
My take on HL2:E3
From all the loose information Valve has released, along with tongue in cheek Ricochet 2 comments + what we know about their company structure from their leaked handbook, I'm of the belief they've run into some conceptual issues in game development and its on hold until they've resolve them. Particularly when you look at the leak that happened with the original Half-Life 2 its not hard to see how they got burned by information being released before they were ready.
As much as I like that article, there is a slight difference: Valve did intially through around a whole bunch of dates, and then went quiet. If they had maintained a dignified "it'll be done, when its done" right from the start, people wouldn't feel so entitled.
Honestly, the epic wait is not going to turn anybody off the game. The hype will continue to grow and when they finally do announce Ep3, the internet will implode from the cumulative world-wide nerdgasm and the tidal wave of hype will destroy civilization as we know it.
It's turned me off it. I long since stopped caring about the outcome and doubt I would buy it if it were released this week. I no longer expect anything of Valve.
I've always suspected that the wait has been so long because they were building a new engine for it. Frankly, Valve can take however long they need to, because when they finally drop the game on the public, I know that they would have done everything they could to make it something truly groundbreaking. Have faith, my son.
I don't doubt there will be some "hype" from the hardcore fans, but the positive effects of this will be heavily offset by the heightened expectation from that same community given the time it's taken to release.
Valve is basically in the same position as 3DRealms was with DNF. They've got a much loved franchise and an expectation to deliver an amazing new installment. They're also completely independent and have money flowing in from other work (Steam, etc.), so they have no pressure to actually get something out the door.
Historically, this combination almost never produces a company's best work. I believe that creativity flourishes under pressure and often flounders when developers are given absolute free reign.
Pretty much, I would rather Valve take their time and deliver a well polished ending to the Half Life series than something that leaves us thinking "what the fuck was that?" like what I believe Mass Effect 3 did in a lot of cases.
No, I'm saying the opposite. With infinite time and money, and high expectations, I believe that the chances of them delivering something great are slim to none. It pretty much never works out, for movies or games,
Valve have the luxury of trying different things out, or even restarting development if they don't like the way things are shaping up. Not many development studios can afford to do this.
Of course I want to play EP3 ASAP, but I'm also willing to put some faith in valve in that they know what they're doing. In the end I truly believe the wait will be very much worth it. There's no doubt that they're working on it - they just want to get it right. Tying up the whole half life 2 trilogy is a big challenge. Better that we have a 10/10 game that we wait for than a 7/10 quickly. People need to learn to be patient...
Also - if you look at HL2 development, valve learned some major lessons on releasing information too early.
If it ever did release, I struggle to see how it would live up to the hype. I'm just going to assume they'll never release a third episode because they'll lose less fans than not saying anything currently is losing
As a fan of the Half Life series (which from HL1 has been one of my favorite games) I can tell you this, there was a time where I gave a shit, or where I was let down and disappointed that the promised this episodic release schedule was never delivered on. However, now that time has passed.
I still hold HL1 and HL2 dear to my heart, but Valve has shot themselves in the foot in my opinion because I couldn't give a flying fuck when HL2 Ep3 / HL3 / whatever you want to call it, comes out. I just don't care, there are enough great games out there and great upcoming games that it has less weight now than it did 5 years ago. And honestly, the way Valve conduct themselves is what you might call in the business world as "unprofessional". They move from game to game, releasing whatever it is they're fixated on at the time and don't have the resources to focus on delivering on a promise to their fans. It just sounds like this Gabe guy is basically a jerk.
Valve also need to consider this: If they hadn't said there would be an episode 3 (or a release date for episode 3) then things would be fine, but it's that broken promise that has many agitated and upset (especially since the series and its lore is loved so much).
They also need to consider that the longer they take, the higher the expectation from the community and in some instances the less "hype" it will receive. So, you're faced with the dilemma of releasing a game 5-10 years after its promised release date, which the hardcore fans would expect to be nothing short of 10/10 given the time it took, and which the moderate/average gamer vaguely recollects or gives a shit about because hey, its like 5-10 years later.
Pretty much my position. They've missed the boat. I've gone back and played the various HL installments over these past years while waiting for the next installment. While I loved HL2, Ep1 and Ep2 they just don't have the same impact as they did 6 years ago. Any new installment won't be the same old HL and that's a real shame. I've come to the realisation that any new HL game just can't live up to the expectation. If an Episode 3 came out in 07, 08 or even 09 then it would work but in today's game market HL3 would have be totally different from the game I loved. It's sad and will probably go down in history as another DNF fiasco.
Disappointing to have a company be so private about everything.
Mentioning that they are working on it, clearly instead of using "you know what I mean" references would be appreciated, I'm sure.
its a private company, they can be as private as they like :)
http://half-life.wikia.com/wiki/Future_of_the_Half-Life_series
I thought this looked a bit familiar. (the link has more detailed inline info)
Last edited November 13, 2012 11:56 am
I'll just leave this here...
http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2009/05/entitlement-issues.html
I understand what you're getting at, but I can also understand why people are so upset with the radio silence over HL3. I mean, Valve know it's what their fanbase want but keep stalling/releasing different games. Valve keep shooting themselves in the foot over this.
This always is an interesting point to raise. People's entitlement issues aside though, what we can say about Valve is that they initially lead everyone to believe it was 6-12 months away, and then now they refuse to say anything about the game. This is bad consumer relations, but of course some people react to it better than others.
My take on HL2:E3
From all the loose information Valve has released, along with tongue in cheek Ricochet 2 comments + what we know about their company structure from their leaked handbook, I'm of the belief they've run into some conceptual issues in game development and its on hold until they've resolve them. Particularly when you look at the leak that happened with the original Half-Life 2 its not hard to see how they got burned by information being released before they were ready.
Last edited November 13, 2012 12:13 pm
Disclosure: Edited because I put handjob instead of handbook. LOL.
Something on your mind?
As much as I like that article, there is a slight difference: Valve did intially through around a whole bunch of dates, and then went quiet. If they had maintained a dignified "it'll be done, when its done" right from the start, people wouldn't feel so entitled.
"george r r martin is not your bitch" has to be one of Neil's greatest strings of words.
Gamers feel self-entitled? Doesn't sound familiar....
Valve could take another five years to release it and people will still buy it.
Honestly, the epic wait is not going to turn anybody off the game. The hype will continue to grow and when they finally do announce Ep3, the internet will implode from the cumulative world-wide nerdgasm and the tidal wave of hype will destroy civilization as we know it.
Release date Dec 21, 2012 confirmed :D
It's turned me off it. I long since stopped caring about the outcome and doubt I would buy it if it were released this week. I no longer expect anything of Valve.
I've always suspected that the wait has been so long because they were building a new engine for it. Frankly, Valve can take however long they need to, because when they finally drop the game on the public, I know that they would have done everything they could to make it something truly groundbreaking. Have faith, my son.
I don't doubt there will be some "hype" from the hardcore fans, but the positive effects of this will be heavily offset by the heightened expectation from that same community given the time it's taken to release.
HL3 will be the launch game for valve's secret console or whatever the eff they are secretly working on right now
Gaben trolling the trolls.
Valve is basically in the same position as 3DRealms was with DNF. They've got a much loved franchise and an expectation to deliver an amazing new installment. They're also completely independent and have money flowing in from other work (Steam, etc.), so they have no pressure to actually get something out the door.
Historically, this combination almost never produces a company's best work. I believe that creativity flourishes under pressure and often flounders when developers are given absolute free reign.
Pretty much, I would rather Valve take their time and deliver a well polished ending to the Half Life series than something that leaves us thinking "what the fuck was that?" like what I believe Mass Effect 3 did in a lot of cases.
No, I'm saying the opposite. With infinite time and money, and high expectations, I believe that the chances of them delivering something great are slim to none. It pretty much never works out, for movies or games,
This is Valve we're talking about though. Their stuff hasn't been a disappointment, their writers are great. So *shrug*
Gota hand it to Gabe & Co. - they really have us rapped around they're fingers :P
looks like Garry Newman is pulling a 3drealms shit on this.
Valve have the luxury of trying different things out, or even restarting development if they don't like the way things are shaping up. Not many development studios can afford to do this.
Of course I want to play EP3 ASAP, but I'm also willing to put some faith in valve in that they know what they're doing. In the end I truly believe the wait will be very much worth it. There's no doubt that they're working on it - they just want to get it right. Tying up the whole half life 2 trilogy is a big challenge. Better that we have a 10/10 game that we wait for than a 7/10 quickly. People need to learn to be patient...
Also - if you look at HL2 development, valve learned some major lessons on releasing information too early.
If it ever did release, I struggle to see how it would live up to the hype. I'm just going to assume they'll never release a third episode because they'll lose less fans than not saying anything currently is losing
As a fan of the Half Life series (which from HL1 has been one of my favorite games) I can tell you this, there was a time where I gave a shit, or where I was let down and disappointed that the promised this episodic release schedule was never delivered on. However, now that time has passed.
I still hold HL1 and HL2 dear to my heart, but Valve has shot themselves in the foot in my opinion because I couldn't give a flying fuck when HL2 Ep3 / HL3 / whatever you want to call it, comes out. I just don't care, there are enough great games out there and great upcoming games that it has less weight now than it did 5 years ago. And honestly, the way Valve conduct themselves is what you might call in the business world as "unprofessional". They move from game to game, releasing whatever it is they're fixated on at the time and don't have the resources to focus on delivering on a promise to their fans. It just sounds like this Gabe guy is basically a jerk.
Valve also need to consider this: If they hadn't said there would be an episode 3 (or a release date for episode 3) then things would be fine, but it's that broken promise that has many agitated and upset (especially since the series and its lore is loved so much).
They also need to consider that the longer they take, the higher the expectation from the community and in some instances the less "hype" it will receive. So, you're faced with the dilemma of releasing a game 5-10 years after its promised release date, which the hardcore fans would expect to be nothing short of 10/10 given the time it took, and which the moderate/average gamer vaguely recollects or gives a shit about because hey, its like 5-10 years later.
I'm not holding my breath, any more.
+1
Pretty much my position. They've missed the boat. I've gone back and played the various HL installments over these past years while waiting for the next installment. While I loved HL2, Ep1 and Ep2 they just don't have the same impact as they did 6 years ago. Any new installment won't be the same old HL and that's a real shame. I've come to the realisation that any new HL game just can't live up to the expectation. If an Episode 3 came out in 07, 08 or even 09 then it would work but in today's game market HL3 would have be totally different from the game I loved. It's sad and will probably go down in history as another DNF fiasco.
I'm past caring Valve. Do as you will.