Portal 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Portal 2 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
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.
The Best Games Under $10
This article highlights excellent games available for $10 or less, including several free-to-play options. It features titles like To The Moon, Portal 2, Vampire Survivors, and Half-Life 2, available on various platforms including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
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.
Adult-Mode Play: Gaming for Real Life | TAG
This article discusses the concept of 'adult-mode play,' which caters to gamers with limited time and finite budgets, contrasting it with the industry's focus on engagement metrics and extended play sessions. It highlights games that support shorter playtimes and suggests a mindset shift for adult gamers to enjoy their hobby without guilt or FOMO.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
Actor J.K. Simmons, despite not having played Baldur's Gate 3, expressed his enjoyment of Portal 2. He also mentioned his involvement in 'Backyard Sports- The Animated...'
J.K. Simmons hasn't played Baldur's Gate 3 or any of his games, but he loves Portal 2: 'I could have done…
Actor J.K. Simmons, known for his roles in games like Portal 2 and Baldur's Gate 3, admits he doesn't play video games due to controller dexterity issues. Despite not playing, he holds Portal 2 in high regard for its humorous script and also reprised his role as Cave Johnson for the Steam Deck tie-in Aperture Desk Job.
Videogame villains who sing at you are the best
This article discusses the trend of villains singing in video games, highlighting examples from various titles like Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Hades II, and Baldur's Gate 3. It argues that unexpected musical numbers from antagonists can be more engaging than traditional monologues, making them memorable and impactful.
15 Games to Play With Your Spouse This Summer (2026)
This article lists 15 games, including 10 video games and 5 board games, suitable for couples to play together, focusing on titles that minimize frustration and encourage cooperation. It highlights games like It Takes Two, Baldur's Gate 3, and Sky Team, offering advice on how to integrate gaming into a shared hobby.
Valve's Steam Frame launch looks imminent, with new 'Great on Frame' category spotted
Valve's new VR headset, the Steam Frame, appears to be nearing its launch, with a new 'Great on Frame' category appearing on the Steam store. This category, currently featuring four games including Valve's own Portal 2 and The Lab, suggests official compatibility verification. Shipments of Steam Frames have reportedly begun arriving in the US, further indicating an imminent release alongside the Steam Machine this summer.
A second OG Steam Controller prototype has been found at Goodwill
A second prototype of Valve's original Steam Controller has been discovered at a Goodwill store in Seattle, seven years after a similar find. The 'Chell' prototype, believed to be from 2013-2014, features a different button layout and lacks thumbsticks compared to the final retail version. The controller was found by the father of a 14-year-old Valve fan and reportedly functions as a generic controller.
Are these the 100 most influential games of all time?
Kitfox Games CEO Tanya Short discusses a list of the 100 most influential video games of all time, compiled by professional game designers. The list, assembled through the Polaris game design retreat, aims to serve as a tool for designers to improve their craft and create influential games.
Virtual Reality Check
Portal 2 has received a Steam VR compatibility rating, suggesting an upcoming launch for the virtual reality headset. This update indicates potential VR support for the popular game on PC.
Portal 2 just got a Steam Frame compatibility rating, hinting at the VR headset's imminent launch
Valve has assigned Portal 2 a 'Playable' rating for its upcoming Steam Deck VR headset, indicating the game will function but not at the headset's full native resolution. The rating suggests the game supports the headset's controller configuration and interface text, but the resolution limitation is noted as a drawback. The Steam Deck VR headset is slated for a summer launch and will feature standalone capabilities similar to the Meta Quest 3.
The two best years in video game history were both in the 2010s - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that 2011 and 2013 were the best years in video game history, citing a high volume of quality releases and industry-shifting console launches. The article details numerous significant titles from both years, including The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Skyrim, The Last of Us, and Grand Theft Auto 5, alongside the debut of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Gabe Newell's racecar driver son Gray Newell to compete in 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race
Gray Newell, son of Valve head Gabe Newell, is set to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. He has been part of the Heart of Racing team since 2021 and is making his debut season in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Newell will race an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo alongside Jonny Adam and Eduardo Barrichello.
Backrooms director says Valve is an inspiration: "Don't make it if there's not a meaningful reason…
Backrooms director Kane Parsons cites Valve's commitment to creating games with a meaningful purpose as a significant inspiration for his work. He praises Valve's philosophy of not making projects without a strong underlying reason, using Half-Life: Alyx as an example of a game developed to explore new technology like VR.
Backrooms director says Portal 2 is the "biggest inspiration" for new A24 horror movie
Director Kane Parsons revealed that Portal 2 is the primary inspiration for his upcoming A24 horror movie based on the viral YouTube series Backrooms. Parsons cited the games' blend of comedy, absurdity, and vast, decaying environments as key influences on his work.
Backrooms director Kane Parsons explains how influential Valve's Portal is to his work: 'I frequently have dreams where I'm just in the Aperture Science Enrichment Center'
Backrooms director Kane Parsons revealed that Valve's Portal series has been a significant influence on his work, particularly the environmental design and the concept of an eternal, vast indoor space. He frequently dreams of being in the Aperture Science Enrichment Center and notes similarities between the game's setting and the concept of the Backrooms. Parsons specifically highlighted Portal 2 for its comedic premise and the subtle environmental storytelling through murals.
10 Co-Op Games Couples Actually Finish Together (2026) | TAG
This article highlights ten co-op games suitable for couples, focusing on titles that can be completed within a reasonable timeframe, typically 10 to 25 hours. It categorizes games based on player skill levels and preferences, offering options for mixed-skill pairs, experienced gamers, and those new to the medium. The list includes titles like It Takes Two, Split Fiction, Unravel Two, and Portal 2, emphasizing games that promote shared experiences and achievable endings.
We can thank a Jim Henson Company puppeteer for some of Valve's best animation work
The distinctive character animation found in Valve games, such as Portal 2 and Team Fortress 2, owes a debt to puppeteer Karen Prell, who previously worked for The Jim Henson Company. Prell, known for her role as Red Fraggle and puppeteering the worm in Labyrinth, brought her expertise in bringing characters to life to Valve, significantly influencing the animation of characters like Wheatley.
