Half-Life 2 Episode 1 Details
Standalone, Four-Six Hours, $19.99
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Eurogamer has received word that the first episode of Half-Life 2 which was formerly known as Aftermath, will be a standalone game. Valve's marketing director Doug Lombardi managed to clear up some other details on the upcoming continuation to the award winning franchise.
First Doug confirmed the rumor that the name change was simply that, and was not done to reflect any alteration in the content. He later explained the interests in episodic content and that the decision to take Half-Life 2 in this direction was decided before it was even released.
"It is worth noting, however, that one of the benefits of developing an episodic game is that the team is able to produce more iterations of each aspect and flesh out each scene far more than in the production of non-episodic games. The result: Episode 1's complexion and density is markedly richer than Half-Life 2." Lastly Doug hit the numbers: "For HL2: Episode 1 we're targeting four to six hours of new single player gaming plus HL2 DM and HL DM: Source for $19.99 - HL2 not required." Also of note is that "For Episode 2, we're planning a similar offering at the same price."
Source: Eurogamer Article
First Doug confirmed the rumor that the name change was simply that, and was not done to reflect any alteration in the content. He later explained the interests in episodic content and that the decision to take Half-Life 2 in this direction was decided before it was even released.
"It is worth noting, however, that one of the benefits of developing an episodic game is that the team is able to produce more iterations of each aspect and flesh out each scene far more than in the production of non-episodic games. The result: Episode 1's complexion and density is markedly richer than Half-Life 2." Lastly Doug hit the numbers: "For HL2: Episode 1 we're targeting four to six hours of new single player gaming plus HL2 DM and HL DM: Source for $19.99 - HL2 not required." Also of note is that "For Episode 2, we're planning a similar offering at the same price."
Source: Eurogamer Article