Half-Life
News, coverage and analysis tracking Half-Life across the outlets.
Latest coverage
The internet's new obsession: Gabe Newell explaining why Valve defied big tech by staying a private company and…
Valve co-founder Gabe Newell's past comments on why the company remains privately held have resurfaced, resonating with a modern audience disillusioned by tech layoffs and 'enshittification.' Newell argued that private ownership allows Valve to prioritize employees and create value by hiring expensive talent, contrasting with the cost-cutting measures often seen at public companies like Microsoft and Meta.
2026 is the best year ever for video games and GTA 6 isn’t even out yet - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that 2026 will be the best year for video games, despite industry challenges, citing a packed release schedule including titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered. The author highlights numerous anticipated games across various genres and platforms, suggesting a peak in gaming quality.
Day of Defeat kunde ha blivit nästa Counter-Strike
This article discusses Day of Defeat, a tactical shooter mod for Half-Life set in World War II, which was released in 2003 and competed with Counter-Strike. Despite its realistic gameplay, historical accuracy, and fast pace, Day of Defeat was eventually overshadowed by larger titles like Medal of Honor and Battlefield 1942, and later attempts to broaden its appeal failed. The author posits that in an alternate reality, Day of Defeat could have become the dominant game, with Counter-Strike fading into obscurity.
Modern gamers spoiled by Steam will never understand the joy of a MegaPak
This article reflects on how modern gamers are spoiled by the abundance and affordability of games compared to the 1990s. It highlights the "MegaPak" compilations from Megamedia Corp as an early precursor to modern game bundles, offering a large collection of PC titles at a budget price. The author argues that while modern gaming offers more choice, the MegaPak era provided a unique, less noisy way to discover games.
Diskutera – Vad vill du se Valve göra härnäst?
This article discusses what fans would like to see Valve focus on next, given the company's 30-year history and its known tendency to leave popular game series dormant. Options range from sequels to existing franchises like Half-Life 3, Portal, Left 4 Dead 3, and Team Fortress 3, to new ventures such as next-generation hardware or further development of Steam and VR.
Recension – Half-Life
This review examines Half-Life, a seminal first-person shooter released in 1998 by Valve. Despite its age, the game is praised for its innovative storytelling without cutscenes, immersive audiovisual design, and player freedom. While acknowledging minor issues like pathfinding for NPCs and the design of the Xen planet, the article concludes that Half-Life remains a masterpiece and is still highly enjoyable today, having inspired numerous games and mods like Counter-Strike and Team Fortress, and ultimately leading to the creation of Steam.
Jubileumsquiz: Vad kan du om Valve?
Valve is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a poll asking fans to vote for their favorite game from the studio's history. The poll includes major titles like Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Portal, and Dota 2, among others.
Snabbkollen: Vilket är bästa Valve-spelet?
Valve is celebrating its 30th anniversary, prompting a discussion about which of its games is the most beloved. The article presents poll results showing Half-Life 2 as the current favorite, followed by Counter-Strike and Half-Life.
Valve fyller 30 år – företaget som förändrade PC-spelandet
Valve, founded 30 years ago by Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington, has significantly impacted PC gaming through titles like Half-Life and its sequels, and the revolutionary digital distribution platform Steam. The company has also ventured into hardware with the Steam Deck and VR, continuing to innovate in how and where PC games are played.
30 år och fortfarande inget Half-Life 3
This article discusses the long-standing mystery surrounding the unreleased Half-Life 3, 30 years after the original Half-Life's debut. It explores the history of the series, the failed episodic continuation of Half-Life 2, and potential reasons for Half-Life 3's absence, including developer Valve's high expectations and the passage of time.
Valve turns 30 today, and it's stronger than ever
Valve celebrates its 30th anniversary, having significantly shaped PC gaming through titles like Half-Life and the digital storefront Steam. The company has also expanded into hardware with devices like the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, continuing its influence on the industry.
id Software is “All In on id Tech”, Says Executive Producer
Executive producer Marty Stratton confirmed that id Software is fully committed to its in-house id Tech engine and will not be switching to Unreal Engine 5. Despite recent layoffs at Xbox, Stratton expressed confidence in the studio's ability to remain a technological powerhouse and continue developing great games with its proprietary technology.
I got so freaked out by the fact that Gordon Freeman is canonically 27 that I decided to find out how old all the other classic FPS protagonists are, and it didn't make me feel better
This article explores the canonical ages of various classic first-person shooter protagonists from the 1990s, starting with the surprising revelation that Gordon Freeman is only 27. It delves into the lore of characters like B.J. Blazkowicz, Kyle Katarn, and Duke Nukem, discussing how their ages were determined or left ambiguous by developers.
Diskutera: Vilket FPS skulle du vilja uppleva för första gången igen?
This article discusses the unique experience of playing a first-person shooter for the first time, highlighting how the element of surprise and discovery cannot be replicated in subsequent playthroughs. It prompts readers to consider which FPS they would most like to forget and experience anew, referencing titles like Half-Life, Halo, and Doom as examples of impactful first encounters.
Snabbkollen: Vilka typer av förstapersonsskjutare spelar du helst?
A survey reveals player preferences for different types of first-person shooter games. Story-driven FPS titles are the most popular choice, followed by looter shooters and immersive sims. Arena shooters and extraction shooters received the lowest engagement.
Deadlock isn't even 'out' yet, but Valve's new game is a true monster in the making
Despite not being officially released, Valve's new game Deadlock is already attracting significant player numbers on Steam, with daily highs of 75,000 players. This hero shooter MOBA hybrid, set in an alternate-history New York, blends elements of games like Overwatch and Dota 2 with a unique aesthetic and third-person shooter mechanics. The game is currently in early development with limited access, but its engaging gameplay, diverse hero roster, and approachable design suggest it's poised for major success upon its full launch.
Games Inbox: Will single-player video games go extinct?
This article discusses the current sales trends of single-player games, with readers expressing concern over their perceived decline in popularity compared to multiplayer titles. The piece also touches on the future of VR gaming, the potential for reboots of classic games like Elite, and the rising costs of GPUs and consoles.
Games Inbox: Will the Xbox reset work for Microsoft?
Readers express concern over recent price increases for Xbox consoles and PC GPUs, questioning Microsoft's strategy and the future of console gaming. Discussions also touch on Nintendo's Direct presentation approach and the ongoing debate about digital versus physical game sales, with a focus on potential EU intervention regarding Sony's digital store practices.
Games Inbox: When will Spider-Man 3 be released on PS5?
Readers speculate on the release date of Spider-Man 3 for PlayStation 5, with some suggesting it might be a PlayStation 6 launch title. Other topics discussed include the pricing of a potential The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, the possibility of an Assassin's Creed set in Ancient Rome, and comparisons between the gameplay mechanics of Returnal and Saros.
I was excited for this Quake port of Half-Life until I discovered the creator's wild AI conspiracy theories
A new total conversion mod called Libre-life aims to port Half-Life's assets into Quake sourceports, allowing players to experience the classic game within a different engine. The modder, KleskBY, has also expressed controversial views on artificial intelligence, stating that critics are hypocritical and influenced by foreign governments.
