Half Life 2 development story

Post by **DRuM** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:14 am

Because I'm playing the game at the moment, I looked up reviews and stuff and came across this. I'm sure it's been around a long time, but it's fascinating reading the whole concept to fruition story behind this game. The article is pretty long but might be interesting to game developers here.

http://www.gamespot.com/features/6112889/index.html

Post by **I cant spell u** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:38 am

Alternatively, you can just buy the book. And if you're hardcore enough, the hl2dm mousepad.

Post by **DRuM** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 5:17 am

Why buy the book when you can read it for free and get a video interview as well? This story is amazing.

" On February 15 a strange e-mail arrived in Gabe Newell's inbox at 6:18pm. The subject line was blank, but the text of the e-mail from "Da Guy" was rich in detail. "Hello, Gabe," the author began. He then proceeded to admit that yes, he was the hacker who had broken into Valve's network. In fact, he had been inside Valve's network for about six months, watching the game's development on a daily basis. He claimed he never intended to harm Valve with his hacking. Instead he just wanted to observe Half-Life 2's development because he was such a huge fan of the original game. And then, unbelievably, he even offered his compliments to Newell and the team on their amazing development skills.

At first Newell didn't know if the e-mail was some sick joke or an authentic mea culpa. But then, at the end of the e-mail, the hacker provided proof that he was legit: He included two files from Valve's network that hadn't been released to the public. One was a Microsoft Word document that detailed Valve's plans for the E3 2003 demo. That was all the evidence Newell needed. This was "da guy" who had screwed them. His first reaction: "I'm getting on a plane and I'm bringing my crowbar with me."

Post by **HateFactor** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 5:55 am

Good article...I remember reading the Quake 3 one by the same guy, back in 1999.

Post by **I cant spell u** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 7:25 am

LMAO, I just read the part where he tricks the hacker and gets him arrested.

Post by **Mr.Magnetichead** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 8:22 am

DRuM wrote:Why buy the book when you can read it for free and get a video interview as well? This story is amazing.

Because the books is also filled with amazing concept art and material that was cut from the final game.

Post by **DRuM** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 8:40 am

Oh fair enough, didn't know there was a book anyway. Still, for those like me that don't really care enough to buy the book, this article has a lot of interesting info and some concept art and drawing board artwork.

Post by **seremtan** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:14 pm

Mr.Magnetichead wrote:
DRuM wrote:Why buy the book when you can read it for free and get a video interview as well? This story is amazing.
Because the books is also filled with amazing concept art and material that was cut from the final game.

yeah there were some great engine renders of wrecked ships on the coast section and combine buildings that never made it

Post by **Mr.Magnetichead** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 2:24 pm

Any all the different character and creature designs.

Post by **mik0rs** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 3:52 pm

The webmaster of one Half-Life fan site posted a bitter missive on Valve: "The bottom line is this: I'm not a fan of Valve anymore. I don't believe a damn thing they say and I'm sick of their bulls***."

Now I like games, but fucking hell what a loser.

Post by **Mr.Magnetichead** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:14 pm

It's because he had an inflated sense of self importance and valve told him to go sit in the corner and shut up.

Post by **Foo** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:17 pm

That, and/or the idea of following one particular games development company seems mightily retarded.

Post by **mik0rs** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:32 pm

It's just the vision of someone being genuinely upset, badly upset that they won't get to play a game for a few months, it's pretty pathetic amiriteyesiam.

Post by **seremtan** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 5:53 pm

i seem to remember a certain swedish muppet on this board getting similarly angsty over the STALKER delay