Portal
News, coverage and analysis tracking Portal across the outlets.
Valve rumoured to be working on 'SteamGPT' AI bot for support and anti-cheat functionsReports suggest Valve is developing an internal AI tool referred to as 'SteamGPT', potentially for customer support and anti-cheat functions. While the exact implementation remains unclear, references in source code indicate Valve is exploring AI for tasks like handling support queries and analyzing player data.
Why Gabe Newell Quit Making Games (It's Weirder Than You Think)This article explores the unique leadership challenges faced by Valve co-founder Gabe Newell, stemming from his immense influence and the company's flat organizational structure. Newell's attempts to be an equal team member were often hindered by employees' deference, leading him to step back from direct creative input. This shift, while intended to foster autonomy, is argued to have contributed to years of project cancellations and creative stagnation at Valve, with the company only recently showing signs of renewed focus with titles like Half-Life: Alyx and Counter-Strike 2.- Half-Life & Portal Writer Says Itd Be Silly Not To Look Into Generative AIErik Wolpaw, a writer for Half-Life and Portal, revealed that Valve has been exploring the use of Generative AI for research and development. He believes it would be unwise not to investigate the potential of this technology.
Half-Life & Portal Writer Says It’d Be “Silly Not To Look Into” Generative AIWriter Travis Howe stated that it would be "silly not to look into" generative AI for game development. He also revealed that a team had previously pitched a fan-made remaster of Jak & Daxter to Sony, which involved creating an animated sequence to showcase the updated visuals.
Former Half-Life 2 writer calls out Epic CEO Tim Sweeney over layoffs, says Valve boss Gabe Newell is "better" than him at making "as much money as possible," anywayFormer Valve writer Chet Faliszek criticized Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney over recent layoffs, questioning employee motivation and comparing Epic's actions unfavorably to Valve's employee retention. Faliszek highlighted that Valve, despite operating Steam, has fewer employees than Epic and suggested Gabe Newell is more adept at generating profit while still fostering a positive work environment.
Half-Life 2 Writer Says Valve Is Quietly Testing Generative AI for Game WritingValve is reportedly exploring the use of generative AI in game development, with veteran writer Erik Wolpaw confirming that a small group is experimenting with the technology. Wolpaw believes AI is currently not capable of creative writing but could potentially enhance dynamic NPC interactions in games. The company's approach is described as informal and exploratory, focusing on understanding the technology's possibilities rather than immediate integration.
Half-Life 2 Writer Says Valve Is Quietly Testing Generative AI for Game WritingValve is exploring the use of generative AI in game development, with a small group of developers experimenting with the technology. Writer Erik Wolpaw stated that AI is currently not adept at creative writing but could potentially enhance dynamic NPC interactions in games. The company's approach is described as informal and exploratory, focusing on understanding the technology's capabilities rather than immediate integration.
Valve veteran slams Tim Sweeney and Epic Games for laying off 1000 people while making 'as much money as possible… and hey Tim, Gabe's better at that than you'Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek criticized Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney for recent layoffs of over 1000 employees, questioning the motivation for hard work at the company. Faliszek contrasted Epic's actions with Valve's approach to employee retention and rewards, suggesting that Epic's practices damage the industry's passion and care. Epic Games did not directly respond to Faliszek's remarks but pointed to a previous statement addressing the layoffs.
Valve Is Experimenting With GenAI To Help With Situational Dialogue, Half-Life 2 Writer SaysValve is experimenting with generative AI for situational dialogue in games, according to writer Erik Wolpaw. While acknowledging AI's current limitations in creative writing, Wolpaw believes it could assist in generating character reactions based on in-game events. This exploration comes amid broader industry discussions and controversies surrounding AI in game development, including its use in art and potential impact on jobs.
Half-Life 2 writer Erik Wolpaw says some people at Valve are looking at AI tools, but he's not "worried about AI taking over creative writing" anytime soonValve writer Erik Wolpaw stated that while a small group at Valve is exploring AI tools, he is not concerned about AI replacing creative writing in the near future. He believes current AI is still incapable of producing compelling storytelling and that its application in simulating character reactions in games is an area worth investigating.- Portal writer Erik Wolpaw is "not worried about AI taking over creative writing," but it could be the straight-faced foil to GTA's chaosPortal writer Erik Wolpaw is exploring the use of generative AI for NPC reactions at Valve, though he finds the technology "scary." He is not concerned about AI replacing creative writers but sees potential for it to serve as a foil to chaotic game elements like those in Grand Theft Auto.
- Half-Life 2 writer says Valve devs have "been looking" at gen AI for help with video game writing: "It's the one place where I feel like AI is worth investigating"Valve writer Erik Wolpaw stated that a small group within the company has been exploring generative AI for potential applications in game writing. While acknowledging its limitations in creative tasks, Wolpaw believes AI could be a valuable tool for simulating real-time character reactions and NPC dialogue, deeming it the most promising area for AI investigation in game development.
- Room Escapes to Reward Loops: How Game Design Has Shifted Since 2010 - Walkthrough, Tips, ReviewGame design has evolved significantly since 2010, shifting from contained challenges with defined endings to continuous engagement systems driven by layered rewards. This transformation is influenced by technological advancements, changing player expectations, and new monetization strategies, particularly evident in mobile gaming and live service titles. Modern games prioritize instant feedback, progression loops, and adaptive experiences to maintain player interaction over extended periods.
"It's all of us against apathy, entropy, and loss of art" - Stop Killing Games has reached the EU Parliament, but what happens now?The 'Stop Killing Games' initiative has presented its case to the European Parliament, advocating for end-of-life policies for video games to ensure their continued accessibility after server shutdowns. While initially met with a lack of understanding regarding modern gaming, the movement successfully framed the issue as a consumer rights problem, gaining bipartisan support. The initiative aims to preserve games as cultural artifacts, facing challenges in maintaining long-term political engagement against industry interests and the constant emergence of new game closures.
Nomori’s Ghibli-Inspired Aesthetic Belies a Mind-Bending Portal PuzzlerNomori is an upcoming physics puzzler from Enchanted Works that blends a cozy, Ghibli-inspired aesthetic with mind-bending portal mechanics. Players control Kiko in a spirit world, using portals that maintain orientation and a telekinetic Slimebun companion to solve challenges inspired by games like Portal and the work of M.C. Escher. The game is set to release on Xbox Series X|S and PC later this year.
Why Valve Games Feel So Eerily Familiar: The Liminal Space EffectThis analysis explores the 'liminal space effect' present in Valve games like Half-Life 2 and Portal, where environments feel eerily familiar yet unsettlingly empty. The article attributes this feeling to Valve's mastery of atmospheric design, the Source Engine's lighting and sound, and the psychological impact of subverted expectations, creating a sense of displacement that enhances storytelling.
50 Video Game Movies In The Works: How Many Of Them Will Actually Come Out?Hollywood is actively developing over 50 film and television adaptations of video game properties, ranging from major franchises like Elden Ring and Call of Duty to indie titles such as The Mortuary Assistant. While some projects like Death Stranding and Mortal Kombat 2 are further along, many others are in early development or face potential delays, with varying degrees of success seen in past video game movies.- New Portal-like 3D puzzle-platformer centered on light and shadow – 'THANKS, LIGHT.'Game Source Entertainment announced that THANKS, LIGHT., a 3D puzzle-platformer from South Korean studio Lightersgames, will be released on PlayStation 5 and Steam in September 2026. The game features a core mechanic where players use a flashlight to manipulate objects between 2D and 3D states. A free demo is currently available on Steam.
- ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard - The Making of an Indie Sequel 🎨Pixel Maniacs CEO Ben Lochmann discusses the development of ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard, highlighting player feedback that led to improvements like a revert mechanic and expanded puzzle design. Lochmann also touches on environmental inspirations, the influence of games like Portal, and the diverse puzzle mechanics created by the small development team.
Indie Selects for March 2025: Fresh Contrasts for a New SeasonThe Indie Select Hub for March 2025 features a curated collection of indie games on Xbox, highlighting contrasts between genres and themes. This month's spotlights include the violent sci-fi action of Romeo Is a Dead Man, the life sim and action RPG blend of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, the literal money-cleaning sim Cash Cleaner Simulator, the FMV psychological horror Heart of the Forest, the survival horror Crisol: Theater of Idols, and the color-mixing puzzle game ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard.