The Borderlands franchise is overwhelmingly successful and has racked up major sales since its inception. The franchise began with the release of the first game, Borderlands, in 2009. The concept for the game was developed by Gearbox Software, an independent video game developer based in Texas, USA. Randy Pitchford, Brian Martel, Stephen Bahl, Landon Montgomery, and Rob Heironimus came together to establish the company in 1999. Gearbox had previously worked on lauded titles like the Brothers in Arms series and the Half-Life expansion packs. Through these projects, Gearbox earned its place as a reputable developer in the gaming industry. The
The post 4 Reasons Why Borderlands Is One the Best-Selling Video Game Franchises first appeared on TVovermind.
The post 4 Reasons Why Borderlands Is One the Best-Selling Video Game Franchises first appeared on TVovermind.
- 4/17/2024
- by Ashlee Manalang
- TVovermind.com
The two huge video game platforms on PC that always have discounts are the Epic Games Store and the biggest one, Steam. In a recent promotional trailer, Valve is anticipating the Steam Fps Fest 2024, a new discount week that will be filled with first-person shooter games and demos to try.
This kind of event will begin on April 15 and end on April 22. Some titles that will be part of this Fest will be Crysis 3, Rust, Far Cry 6, Depth, Ultrakill, and many more. Valve is really trying to change things so that players can see all the possibilities they have.
Valve Does It Again, With Steam Fps Fest 2024 Coming Next Week Crysis 3 will be part of the Steam Fps Fest 2024.
Like any other platform on PC that really tries to sell games on discount, Valve’s launcher is the most popular one, with some sales that do not even make sense.
This kind of event will begin on April 15 and end on April 22. Some titles that will be part of this Fest will be Crysis 3, Rust, Far Cry 6, Depth, Ultrakill, and many more. Valve is really trying to change things so that players can see all the possibilities they have.
Valve Does It Again, With Steam Fps Fest 2024 Coming Next Week Crysis 3 will be part of the Steam Fps Fest 2024.
Like any other platform on PC that really tries to sell games on discount, Valve’s launcher is the most popular one, with some sales that do not even make sense.
- 4/14/2024
- by Lucas Lapetina
- FandomWire
It’s easy to take the Aliens vs. Predator franchise for granted years after the crossover became mainstream, but long-time fans remember that it was actually quite the long journey to get this far. With a shared universe originally being teased at the end of Predator 2, our favorite movie monsters initially had to duke it out in the pages of cult comic-books and a series of hit video games that once dominated the licensed market.
In fact, from the 90s to the early 2000s, the Avp games were legendary due to their distinct gameplay and innovative multiplayer elements. However, after the release of a failed reboot in the seventh console generation, the series mostly faded into obscurity. Sure, we’d see great individual Alien and Predator titles (like 2014’s Alien: Isolation and IllFonic’s Predator: Hunting Grounds), but it seems like the rights holders have no interest in giving these creatures an updated rematch.
In fact, from the 90s to the early 2000s, the Avp games were legendary due to their distinct gameplay and innovative multiplayer elements. However, after the release of a failed reboot in the seventh console generation, the series mostly faded into obscurity. Sure, we’d see great individual Alien and Predator titles (like 2014’s Alien: Isolation and IllFonic’s Predator: Hunting Grounds), but it seems like the rights holders have no interest in giving these creatures an updated rematch.
- 2/2/2024
- by Luiz H. C.
- bloody-disgusting.com
If you are under the age of 10, you probably know all about "Skibidi Toilet," the animated YouTube series made by Georgian animator Alexey Gerasimov, better known to his fans as DaFuq!?Boom! If you are over the age of 10, /Film is here to unpack this bizarre — and unexpectedly massive — internet phenomenon.
And make no mistake, "Skibidi Toilet" is massive. The first short video in the series was posted on DaFuq!?Boom!'s YouTube channel in February 2023, and it already has 132 million hits. DaFuq!?Boom! has accrued 37.8 million subscribers, and he has expanded the series into (as of this writing) 69 episodes. His channel has surpassed 65 billion (with a "B") views in total. Those numbers may represent the fastest-growing video series in the history of YouTube. The series has already spawned its own subculture of memes and reaction videos, and one can already buy "Skibidi Toilet" costumes at Walmart.
The name "Skibidi Toilet...
And make no mistake, "Skibidi Toilet" is massive. The first short video in the series was posted on DaFuq!?Boom!'s YouTube channel in February 2023, and it already has 132 million hits. DaFuq!?Boom! has accrued 37.8 million subscribers, and he has expanded the series into (as of this writing) 69 episodes. His channel has surpassed 65 billion (with a "B") views in total. Those numbers may represent the fastest-growing video series in the history of YouTube. The series has already spawned its own subculture of memes and reaction videos, and one can already buy "Skibidi Toilet" costumes at Walmart.
The name "Skibidi Toilet...
- 1/23/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Fps genre has evolved quite a bit since its inception. Advances in technology allowed for better graphics, smarter enemy AI, and the introduction of narratives and new mechanics. Games such as Bioshock, Half-Life, and Halo are regarded as the best Fps titles out there, thanks in no small part to these improvements. Lately, though, many gamers have been yearning for a simpler time, when Fps games were more about big guns and fast action and less about story and worldbuilding.
The term “boomer shooter” is used to describe a specific kind of Fps that intentionally mimics the design principles of older shooters. These include challenging enemies that force players to stay on the move, pixelated graphics, the ability to carry more than two weapons at a time, and health bars that don’t regenerate.
The origin of the term is widely debated among video game historians. The running theory...
The term “boomer shooter” is used to describe a specific kind of Fps that intentionally mimics the design principles of older shooters. These include challenging enemies that force players to stay on the move, pixelated graphics, the ability to carry more than two weapons at a time, and health bars that don’t regenerate.
The origin of the term is widely debated among video game historians. The running theory...
- 12/23/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
The mad lads (and ladies) at New Blood Interactive and developer David Szymanski have unleashed their full visual remaster of Dusk with Dusk HD, which is now available as a free and optional download for Steam owners of the game. Along with the remaster, the Software Development Kit for the original version of Dusk has also been made available, with the Dusk HD version coming “Soon”.
In a new Steam page update, the team acknowledges that it’s been “five long years” since Dusk v1.0 hit the platform, and that they’ve always promised to make Dusk “as open and moddable for you as we possibly can.” With that said, the road to remastering Dusk with remade enemies, weapons, models and textures wasn’t easy, having spent the last few months rewriting the code and working overtime on Dusk HD “to make sure it’s as legitimate and cohesive and possible.
In a new Steam page update, the team acknowledges that it’s been “five long years” since Dusk v1.0 hit the platform, and that they’ve always promised to make Dusk “as open and moddable for you as we possibly can.” With that said, the road to remastering Dusk with remade enemies, weapons, models and textures wasn’t easy, having spent the last few months rewriting the code and working overtime on Dusk HD “to make sure it’s as legitimate and cohesive and possible.
- 12/12/2023
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
Alongside the 25th Anniversary Update released last week for Half-Life, Valve also gave Counter-Strike a fresh coat of paint with its own update. However, in doing so, Valve also gave Left 4 Dead fans a bit of a present in the form of the first prototype of the co-op zombie shooter that originated as a Counter-Strike mod.
Per X user Gabe Follower, Valve’s update for Counter-Strike, which gave players the ability to “support many of the features from the Half-Life 25th Anniversary update”, also included the earliest form of Left 4 Dead: a mod which was referred to as “Terror Strike” when it was in development.
Gabe Follower went on to say that a user named “The One Epicplayer” was able to port the zombie_city map and did the bot navigation mesh, giving Counter-Strike players the additional treat of being able to see what Turtle Rock Studios had come up...
Per X user Gabe Follower, Valve’s update for Counter-Strike, which gave players the ability to “support many of the features from the Half-Life 25th Anniversary update”, also included the earliest form of Left 4 Dead: a mod which was referred to as “Terror Strike” when it was in development.
Gabe Follower went on to say that a user named “The One Epicplayer” was able to port the zombie_city map and did the bot navigation mesh, giving Counter-Strike players the additional treat of being able to see what Turtle Rock Studios had come up...
- 11/26/2023
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
Valve is giving away Half-Life for free until 6pm today, and has given the 25-year-old game a massive overhaul.
Valve is celebrating Half-Life's 25th anniversary with a range of goodies, including giving the game away for free on Steam until 6pm today (20th November). There are also steep discounts on other games in the series, including Half-Life 2: Episode Two for 57p.
As you’re no doubt aware, Half-Life was something of a big deal when it was released on 19th November 1998, celebrated in particular for its storytelling and immersive world. Rather than using cut scenes, the plot was provided by scripted sequences within the game, a technique that later became widespread in the games industry.
Credit: Valve
Now, Valve has revisited the original game and given it some generous TLC. The Half-Life update restores some cut content – including the original main menu and logo intro – and adds four new multiplayer maps.
Valve is celebrating Half-Life's 25th anniversary with a range of goodies, including giving the game away for free on Steam until 6pm today (20th November). There are also steep discounts on other games in the series, including Half-Life 2: Episode Two for 57p.
As you’re no doubt aware, Half-Life was something of a big deal when it was released on 19th November 1998, celebrated in particular for its storytelling and immersive world. Rather than using cut scenes, the plot was provided by scripted sequences within the game, a technique that later became widespread in the games industry.
Credit: Valve
Now, Valve has revisited the original game and given it some generous TLC. The Half-Life update restores some cut content – including the original main menu and logo intro – and adds four new multiplayer maps.
- 11/20/2023
- by Lewis Packwood
- Film Stories
With Half-Life turning 25 today, Valve has dropped a little something special in the form of a major update for the classic Fps. Touted as “the definitive version” of Half-Life, this 25th Anniversary Update adds a whack of goodies, including widescreen support, Steam Deck support, updated graphics settings and more. Not only that, but if you haven’t already, you can grab Half-Life for free on Steam for a limited time!
Alongside graphical updates, lighting fixes and controller support, the 25th Anniversary Update includes added content from Half-Life: Uplink (the 1998 demo of Half-Life), as well as four new multiplayer maps. Valve has also restored some content for “the true nostalgia-seekers”, which includes the original main menu artwork, along with some early prototype player models from the alpha builds of the game.
Still not enough? Valve also got the original development team together for a 25th anniversary retrospective, which you can see below.
Alongside graphical updates, lighting fixes and controller support, the 25th Anniversary Update includes added content from Half-Life: Uplink (the 1998 demo of Half-Life), as well as four new multiplayer maps. Valve has also restored some content for “the true nostalgia-seekers”, which includes the original main menu artwork, along with some early prototype player models from the alpha builds of the game.
Still not enough? Valve also got the original development team together for a 25th anniversary retrospective, which you can see below.
- 11/19/2023
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Spider-Man family of media is synonymous with some of the best actors in the business. The movies are iconic thanks to the stars who bring the stories to life, and the cartoons are legendary for some of the best line deliveries you’ll ever hear. However, unlike properties such as Batman, no one actor has truly embodied the wall-crawler or his amazing friends (or deadly enemies). So, Insomniac Games had their work cut out for them when it came time to cast for Marvel’s Spider-Man.
To say Insomniac knocked it out of the park with their selected voices would be an understatement, so of course they were primed to return for subsequent entries, including Spider-Man 2. The game is full of returning characters, many of whom are voiced by the same actors, but the main selling point are all the new faces. During the game, players will get...
To say Insomniac knocked it out of the park with their selected voices would be an understatement, so of course they were primed to return for subsequent entries, including Spider-Man 2. The game is full of returning characters, many of whom are voiced by the same actors, but the main selling point are all the new faces. During the game, players will get...
- 10/20/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
“My philosophy for making games is that I have this thing I call: ‘The Trinity Hook,” explains indie developer Thomas Brush.
“What that means is that any project I’m working on has to appeal to the audience on three separate levels. First of all, it needs to have a decent story hook. Then, it needs to have a strong visual hook and finally, it needs to have a gripping mechanical hook. You’ve got to tick all three of those boxes. Otherwise it’s not worth doing.”
Just from a glance, you can see how these guiding principles helped shape the vision for Brush’s latest: Twisted Tower. Indeed, as we sit down with the charismatic creator, it’s evident that he has given a lot of serious thought to how he plans on meeting that self-imposed criteria.
And it’s a discipline that seems to have paid off in spades!
“What that means is that any project I’m working on has to appeal to the audience on three separate levels. First of all, it needs to have a decent story hook. Then, it needs to have a strong visual hook and finally, it needs to have a gripping mechanical hook. You’ve got to tick all three of those boxes. Otherwise it’s not worth doing.”
Just from a glance, you can see how these guiding principles helped shape the vision for Brush’s latest: Twisted Tower. Indeed, as we sit down with the charismatic creator, it’s evident that he has given a lot of serious thought to how he plans on meeting that self-imposed criteria.
And it’s a discipline that seems to have paid off in spades!
- 9/30/2023
- by Harrison Abbott
- bloody-disgusting.com
In Cyberpunk 2077, Iconic weapons are some of the strongest items you can acquire as you make your way up Night City’s criminal underbelly. These firearms, swords, and clubs are more powerful than most other items and usually sport unique perks that set them apart even further. Since Phantom Liberty introduces a brand new area to explore, complete with more missions, this Dlc also packs quite a few new Iconic weapons.
Of course, Cyberpunk 2077 is an RPG that lets players decide how to approach different challenges with unique character builds, so not every iconic weapon will gel with every player. Some gamers will gravitate towards an assault rifle that makes enemies explode into pools of acid, others will find themselves drawn to a machete that lights opponents on fire. Several players might even find themselves swinging around a mundane crowbar because it’s a Half-Life reference. Still, almost every new...
Of course, Cyberpunk 2077 is an RPG that lets players decide how to approach different challenges with unique character builds, so not every iconic weapon will gel with every player. Some gamers will gravitate towards an assault rifle that makes enemies explode into pools of acid, others will find themselves drawn to a machete that lights opponents on fire. Several players might even find themselves swinging around a mundane crowbar because it’s a Half-Life reference. Still, almost every new...
- 9/28/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
It used to be that video game adaptations were limited to big budget franchises, with household names like Super Mario Bros. and Mortal Kombat getting blockbuster movies while more niche experiences like Dino Crisis and System Shock were mostly ignored by non-gamer audiences. Not only that, but corporate expectations and bloated production budgets meant that these big screen adaptations would often misunderstand what made these franchises popular in the first place.
Fortunately, it seems that the days of the “video game curse” are far behind us. Not only are recognizable franchises like Five Nights at Freddy’s receiving long-awaited adaptations, but even indie experiments like David Szymanski’s Iron Lung are being adapted into feature length horror movies (with this one in particular being written and directed by none other than Markiplier). And with the indie gaming scene going through a creative revolution, we thought that this might be the...
Fortunately, it seems that the days of the “video game curse” are far behind us. Not only are recognizable franchises like Five Nights at Freddy’s receiving long-awaited adaptations, but even indie experiments like David Szymanski’s Iron Lung are being adapted into feature length horror movies (with this one in particular being written and directed by none other than Markiplier). And with the indie gaming scene going through a creative revolution, we thought that this might be the...
- 6/21/2023
- by Luiz H. C.
- bloody-disgusting.com
The shoe still fits, so Paolo Montalban is going to wear it and reprise his role as King Charming in “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” the next installment in the Disney movie franchise.
Disney+ announced the news Wednesday in a behind-the-scenes set video capturing “a royal occasion.” Et first reported the news in an exclusive report.
Lead duo Montalban and Brandy Norwood will return to their roles of fairytale couple King Charming and Cinderella alongside Rita Ora as the Queen of Hearts who “rules over the kingdom of Wonderland with an iron fist.”
Also Read:
First Teaser for ‘To All the Boys’ Spinoff Series ‘Xo Kitty’ Jets to Korea (Video)
Montalban first starred as Prince Christopher in “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” (1997) alongside Norwood as Cinderella with the late Whitney Houston playing the Fairy Godmother. Other ensemble cast members included Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Barger, Natalie Desselle Reid, Bernadette Peters and Jason Alexander.
Disney+ announced the news Wednesday in a behind-the-scenes set video capturing “a royal occasion.” Et first reported the news in an exclusive report.
Lead duo Montalban and Brandy Norwood will return to their roles of fairytale couple King Charming and Cinderella alongside Rita Ora as the Queen of Hearts who “rules over the kingdom of Wonderland with an iron fist.”
Also Read:
First Teaser for ‘To All the Boys’ Spinoff Series ‘Xo Kitty’ Jets to Korea (Video)
Montalban first starred as Prince Christopher in “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” (1997) alongside Norwood as Cinderella with the late Whitney Houston playing the Fairy Godmother. Other ensemble cast members included Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Barger, Natalie Desselle Reid, Bernadette Peters and Jason Alexander.
- 3/22/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Disney+ is rounding out the cast of The Pocketwatch (working title), a music- and dance-filled original movie sequel to the megahit Descendants franchise at Disney+. Production is underway in Atlanta.
That 90s Show‘s Sam Morelos, Anthony Pyatt (When I’m With You), Peder Lindell (Out Of My Hands), Mars (Heather), Tristan Padil (The Lake Merritt Monster), Kabir Bery (Squatting), Grace Narducci (Law & Order: Svu) and newcomer Aiza Azaar join previously annouced cast Kylie Cantrall, Rita Ora, Malia Baker, Brandy, Jeremy Swift and Leonardo Nam in the sequel written by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer (Magic: The Gathering)
The Pocketwatch (working title) follows the story of Red (Cantrall), the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts (Ora); and Chloe (Baker), Cinderella’s (Brandy) perfectionist daughter. When the Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, polar opposites Red and Chloe must join forces and travel back in time...
That 90s Show‘s Sam Morelos, Anthony Pyatt (When I’m With You), Peder Lindell (Out Of My Hands), Mars (Heather), Tristan Padil (The Lake Merritt Monster), Kabir Bery (Squatting), Grace Narducci (Law & Order: Svu) and newcomer Aiza Azaar join previously annouced cast Kylie Cantrall, Rita Ora, Malia Baker, Brandy, Jeremy Swift and Leonardo Nam in the sequel written by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer (Magic: The Gathering)
The Pocketwatch (working title) follows the story of Red (Cantrall), the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts (Ora); and Chloe (Baker), Cinderella’s (Brandy) perfectionist daughter. When the Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, polar opposites Red and Chloe must join forces and travel back in time...
- 2/15/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso) and Leonardo Nam (Westworld) have joined the cast of The Pocketwatch (working title), a music- and dance-filled original movie sequel to the megahit Descendants franchise at Disney+. Production is underway in Atlanta.
Starring Kylie Cantrall, Rita Ora, Malia Baker and Brandy and written by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer (Magic: The Gathering), The Pocketwatch (working title) follows the story of Red (Cantrall), the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts (Ora); and Chloe (Baker), Cinderella’s (Brandy) perfectionist daughter. When the Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, polar opposites Red and Chloe must join forces and travel back in time to undo the traumatic adolescent event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.
Swift will portray Principal Merlin, the principal of Merlin Academy, who does his best to use his own magic to keep powerful, dangerous magic away from his students.
Starring Kylie Cantrall, Rita Ora, Malia Baker and Brandy and written by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer (Magic: The Gathering), The Pocketwatch (working title) follows the story of Red (Cantrall), the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts (Ora); and Chloe (Baker), Cinderella’s (Brandy) perfectionist daughter. When the Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, polar opposites Red and Chloe must join forces and travel back in time to undo the traumatic adolescent event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.
Swift will portray Principal Merlin, the principal of Merlin Academy, who does his best to use his own magic to keep powerful, dangerous magic away from his students.
- 2/2/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Make My Day is an animated movie directed by Makoto Honda. The screenplay is written by Yasuo Ohtagaki.
Make My Day is a Japanese animated series that takes us to a sort of Half Life (the videogame) in a strange planet where a dangerous plague is spreading that will affect humanity. The only ones that reach this place are the worst criminals, condemned and alone fighting against a very real threat.
Another anime proposal on Netflix that lately is providing us with a couple of them every week (Record of Ragnarok was the latest one). This time, a very different kind of offering with much more computer animation, more modern and less “classic”, but will surely find its audience in the endless and thrilling world of Japanese anime.
Alégrame el Día (2023)
So now you know what lies in store for us: creatures that rise from the inside of a frozen...
Make My Day is a Japanese animated series that takes us to a sort of Half Life (the videogame) in a strange planet where a dangerous plague is spreading that will affect humanity. The only ones that reach this place are the worst criminals, condemned and alone fighting against a very real threat.
Another anime proposal on Netflix that lately is providing us with a couple of them every week (Record of Ragnarok was the latest one). This time, a very different kind of offering with much more computer animation, more modern and less “classic”, but will surely find its audience in the endless and thrilling world of Japanese anime.
Alégrame el Día (2023)
So now you know what lies in store for us: creatures that rise from the inside of a frozen...
- 2/2/2023
- by Veronica Loop
- Martin Cid - TV
Almost every long-running video game franchise has a signature weapon that shows up in almost every entry. For God of War, that weapon is the Blades of Chaos. For Half-Life, it’s the crowbar. For The Legend of Zelda, it is most certainly the Master Sword.
Also known as the Blade of Evil’s Bane, the Master Sword is one of the most frequent recurring faces of the franchise. Even though most Zelda games star different characters, all of whom are named Link, the Master Sword is the same weapon throughout. This has, unfortunately, resulted in some retcons and contradictory origins since the Master Sword has technically existed longer than the Legend of Zelda timeline. Whenever one entry provides an origin story for the weapon, a sequel eventually comes along and delivers a different tale.
So what is the true origin of the Master Sword? Who forged the only weapon...
Also known as the Blade of Evil’s Bane, the Master Sword is one of the most frequent recurring faces of the franchise. Even though most Zelda games star different characters, all of whom are named Link, the Master Sword is the same weapon throughout. This has, unfortunately, resulted in some retcons and contradictory origins since the Master Sword has technically existed longer than the Legend of Zelda timeline. Whenever one entry provides an origin story for the weapon, a sequel eventually comes along and delivers a different tale.
So what is the true origin of the Master Sword? Who forged the only weapon...
- 5/25/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
The upcoming release of Aliens: Fireteam Elite is not only a reminder of the surprisingly interesting history of Alien video game adaptations but an excuse to celebrate 1986’s Aliens sometimes overlooked status as arguably the most influential movie in video game history.
In fact, Aliens changed gaming so much that it’s almost tempting to retroactively “honor it” as the greatest video game movie ever made. After all, there are countless games that directly reference Aliens and acknowledge its status as the most important (and perhaps greatest) sci-fi action movie ever made. In terms of Easter eggs, Aliens may just be the most referenced movie in video game history.
While we’re certainly going to take a look at some of those references, Aliens‘ influence on the video game industry is so much deeper than a few winks and nods. These are only a few of the ways that Aliens...
In fact, Aliens changed gaming so much that it’s almost tempting to retroactively “honor it” as the greatest video game movie ever made. After all, there are countless games that directly reference Aliens and acknowledge its status as the most important (and perhaps greatest) sci-fi action movie ever made. In terms of Easter eggs, Aliens may just be the most referenced movie in video game history.
While we’re certainly going to take a look at some of those references, Aliens‘ influence on the video game industry is so much deeper than a few winks and nods. These are only a few of the ways that Aliens...
- 7/21/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
It’s been eight long years since J.J. Abrams and video game producer Gabe Newell brought together their Bad Robot and Valve companies to collaborate on feature film adaptations of Valve’s wildly popular video game franchises Portal and Half-Life. And it’s been five years since we’ve heard an update on either film. But Abrams finally has an update on the long-awaited Portal movie, which the producer and […]
The post Valve’s ‘Portal’ Movie is “Finally on the Rails,” J.J. Abrams Says appeared first on /Film.
The post Valve’s ‘Portal’ Movie is “Finally on the Rails,” J.J. Abrams Says appeared first on /Film.
- 5/25/2021
- by Hoai-Tran Bui
- Slash Film
Despite how almost every other aspect of the year went, 2020 was a landmark year for video games. Not only did it see the release of highly-anticipated titles like The Last of Us Part II, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Ghost of Tsushima, and Cyberpunk 2077, but 2020 also marked the beginning of a new generation of console and PC gaming with the release of the Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and new GPUs from Nvidia and Amd. We even got a new Half-Life game this year!
What would’ve made the gaming year ever better? Big-name video game companies could have done more to eliminate development crunch and be more transparent about their business practices with customers and the press. And we definitely could have all been nicer to each other.
But video games also helped keep us connected when we couldn’t see our friends and loved ones in person. They helped...
What would’ve made the gaming year ever better? Big-name video game companies could have done more to eliminate development crunch and be more transparent about their business practices with customers and the press. And we definitely could have all been nicer to each other.
But video games also helped keep us connected when we couldn’t see our friends and loved ones in person. They helped...
- 12/21/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Popular streamer Ninja has pitched a Ninja-themed skin for Fall Guys, the party game phenomenon that’s taken the world by storm since it launched earlier this year. Ninja pitched the skin as part of a contest being held by Mediatonic, the game’s developer, to benefit UK charity Special Effect. At one point, Ninja was in the lead to win the contest with a bid of a $200,000 donation before being outbid by G2 Esports.
Ninja revealed the skin on Twitter:
I raise the bid to $200,000 in support of the charity @SpecialEffect this bad boy would look pretty clean too https://t.co/W7wCkcoHip pic.twitter.com/X2xsj8DLSP
— Ninja (@Ninja) August 18, 2020
The skin was actually designed by Twitter user @Astroioxy, who has now received a hell of a signal boost from the streamer.
The contest is also open to game studios and other brands looking to...
Ninja revealed the skin on Twitter:
I raise the bid to $200,000 in support of the charity @SpecialEffect this bad boy would look pretty clean too https://t.co/W7wCkcoHip pic.twitter.com/X2xsj8DLSP
— Ninja (@Ninja) August 18, 2020
The skin was actually designed by Twitter user @Astroioxy, who has now received a hell of a signal boost from the streamer.
The contest is also open to game studios and other brands looking to...
- 8/18/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
When LookingGlass Technologies’ System Shock released in 1994, few people knew what to make of it. It was a first-person game with action and guns, but it most certainly wasn’t a first-person shooter like Doom, which had been released less than a year before System Shock. It featured navigation and level design similar to games like Ultima Underworld, but it wasn’t necessarily an RPG in most respects. While System Shock received quite a bit of praise from critics and players who took a chance on it, but it wasn’t exactly revered as a game-changer or considered a major hit at the time. In fact, LookingGlass lost money on the game.
But not long after System Shock’s release, a new breed of games began to emerge, PC titles that were clearly inspired by its innovations. Titles like Thief and Half-Life, both released in 1998, expanded on System Shock‘s emergent gameplay and first-person storytelling.
But not long after System Shock’s release, a new breed of games began to emerge, PC titles that were clearly inspired by its innovations. Titles like Thief and Half-Life, both released in 1998, expanded on System Shock‘s emergent gameplay and first-person storytelling.
- 7/29/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Apex Legends is coming to Steam. Thanks to various leaks over the last few months, you probably already knew that.
What you couldn’t have known until recently, however, is that fans who download the battle royale on Valve’s platform will be able to get their mitts on a handful of exclusive cosmetic items. As revealed during a special stream yesterday, Respawn confirmed that, starting this fall, its popular multiplayer title will no longer be exclusive to EA’s Origin service on PC. This isn’t the news of a standalone client that many had perhaps hoped, but expanded accessibility options are always welcome to see, especially when there’s free stuff included to sweeten the deal.
In total, there are three Gun Charms to collect, all of which will be awarded simply by logging in to the Steam version of Apex as soon as it becomes available. Check...
What you couldn’t have known until recently, however, is that fans who download the battle royale on Valve’s platform will be able to get their mitts on a handful of exclusive cosmetic items. As revealed during a special stream yesterday, Respawn confirmed that, starting this fall, its popular multiplayer title will no longer be exclusive to EA’s Origin service on PC. This isn’t the news of a standalone client that many had perhaps hoped, but expanded accessibility options are always welcome to see, especially when there’s free stuff included to sweeten the deal.
In total, there are three Gun Charms to collect, all of which will be awarded simply by logging in to the Steam version of Apex as soon as it becomes available. Check...
- 7/24/2020
- by Joe Pring
- We Got This Covered
Death Stranding is one of the most bizarre and unique games ever made, which isn’t so surprising when you consider it’s the first project from an independent Kojima Productions, where the legendary video game auteur Hideo Kojima is finally completely free to let his imagination run wild. Setting players on a grueling trek across a post-apocalyptic United States while delivering valuable cargo along the way, Death Stranding may be Kojima’s most divisive game (although I love it). Some have labeled it a “walking simulator” while others hail it as a prescient work of art that may even have predicted the state of the world during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However you ultimately feel about the game, it was difficult to ignore Death Stranding‘s weirdness when it first released on the PlayStation 4 last year. Now the title has hit PC, giving a new group of gamers the chance...
However you ultimately feel about the game, it was difficult to ignore Death Stranding‘s weirdness when it first released on the PlayStation 4 last year. Now the title has hit PC, giving a new group of gamers the chance...
- 7/17/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Orion Lee (left) as “King-Lu” and John Magaro (right) as “Cookie” in director Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow, released by A24 Films. Credit : Allyson Riggs / A24 Films
Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow offers a tale of friendship and American dreams, set in a hardscrabble frontier outpost in early 19th century Oregon territory, place that is less a community than a microcosm of the flaws of capitalism carved out of a green, lush wilderness. Two friends, a quiet, gentle baker known as Cookie (John Magaro) and a talkative, ambitious Chinese immigrant named King-Lu (Orion Lee) hatch a scheme to sell baked goods made with milk pilfered from the area’s first and only cow, the property of the wealthy local bigwig, known as Chief Factor (an excellent Toby Jones), who rules the outpost like the British lord he fancies himself.
There is, of course, a cow, a beautiful brown pedigreed milk cow,...
Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow offers a tale of friendship and American dreams, set in a hardscrabble frontier outpost in early 19th century Oregon territory, place that is less a community than a microcosm of the flaws of capitalism carved out of a green, lush wilderness. Two friends, a quiet, gentle baker known as Cookie (John Magaro) and a talkative, ambitious Chinese immigrant named King-Lu (Orion Lee) hatch a scheme to sell baked goods made with milk pilfered from the area’s first and only cow, the property of the wealthy local bigwig, known as Chief Factor (an excellent Toby Jones), who rules the outpost like the British lord he fancies himself.
There is, of course, a cow, a beautiful brown pedigreed milk cow,...
- 7/13/2020
- by Cate Marquis
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Geoff Keighley’s new documentary, The Final Hours of Half-Life: Alyx, explores the development of Valve’s recent Half-Life VR game and reveals fresh details about several games that Valve canceled over the years.
Let’s start with Half-Life. The documentary includes information which suggests that Valve essentially canceled five Half-Life projects that they had been working on in one form or another between the releases of Half-Life 2: Episode 2 and Half-Life: Alyx. One of those games was referred to internally as Half-Life 3.
The documentary confirms something we’ve heard before, which is that Half-Life 3‘s cancellation can largely be attributed to problems with the development of the Source 2 engine. Those technical issues essentially prevented Valve from making serious progress on that sequel. Interestingly, it also seems that Valve intended for Half-Life 3 to feature a combination of procedural-generated levels and hand-crafted narrative moments. Basically, there would be certain sections of...
Let’s start with Half-Life. The documentary includes information which suggests that Valve essentially canceled five Half-Life projects that they had been working on in one form or another between the releases of Half-Life 2: Episode 2 and Half-Life: Alyx. One of those games was referred to internally as Half-Life 3.
The documentary confirms something we’ve heard before, which is that Half-Life 3‘s cancellation can largely be attributed to problems with the development of the Source 2 engine. Those technical issues essentially prevented Valve from making serious progress on that sequel. Interestingly, it also seems that Valve intended for Half-Life 3 to feature a combination of procedural-generated levels and hand-crafted narrative moments. Basically, there would be certain sections of...
- 7/9/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
When System Shock first released in 1994, it was something of a revelation for the first-person shooter genre. While many gamers and developers were still trying to wrap their heads around the innovations of Doom, developer Looking Glass delivered an atmospheric sci-fi masterpiece that was in many ways a precursor to titles like Half-Life and Deus Ex. What’s arguably most impressive about the game, however, is just how well it’s concept has aged all these years later.
The fact was not lost on Nightdive Studios, the developer in charge of remaking this sci-fi horror classic for a new generation. If you’ve never heard of Nightdive, don’t feel too bad. The developer’s first major move in the game industry was recovering the rights to the System Shock franchise and using them to put the series back into digital distribution stores. In fact, despite a wealth of veteran development talent on staff,...
The fact was not lost on Nightdive Studios, the developer in charge of remaking this sci-fi horror classic for a new generation. If you’ve never heard of Nightdive, don’t feel too bad. The developer’s first major move in the game industry was recovering the rights to the System Shock franchise and using them to put the series back into digital distribution stores. In fact, despite a wealth of veteran development talent on staff,...
- 6/13/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Since 1995, E3 has been the biggest video game show of the year. What started as a trade show largely intended to appeal to industry figures soon ballooned into an absolute spectacle that captured the attention of millions of gamers across the world.
E3 has endured a few ups and downs over the years, but it remains the most exciting time of the year for gamers. Despite its incredible popularity, though, there’s actually quite a few pieces of E3 history that remain obscure to those millions of gamers across the world who eagerly watch every day of the show. That’s especially true of the show’s early years, which weren’t widely broadcast and have been somewhat lost to time.
Since there will not be a traditional E3 event in 2020, we thought we’d take a look at some of the more fascinating facts of the event’s past...
E3 has endured a few ups and downs over the years, but it remains the most exciting time of the year for gamers. Despite its incredible popularity, though, there’s actually quite a few pieces of E3 history that remain obscure to those millions of gamers across the world who eagerly watch every day of the show. That’s especially true of the show’s early years, which weren’t widely broadcast and have been somewhat lost to time.
Since there will not be a traditional E3 event in 2020, we thought we’d take a look at some of the more fascinating facts of the event’s past...
- 6/7/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
YouTube channel NoClip’s latest documentary focuses on the history of developer Arkane Studios and reveals fascinating footage of the developer’s unreleased Half-Life: Ravenholm game.
For those who don’t know, Arkane was once tasked with developing a Half-Life spin-off that would have focused on Half-Life 2‘s Ravenholm area. In case you didn’t read our retrospective on Half-Life 2‘s brilliant Ravenholm section, it was essentially a zombie-packed nightmare world loaded with classic horror imagery.
Arkane’s take on the Ravenholm concept would have starred Adrian Shephard: the protagonist of Half-Life: Opposing Force. The game also would have featured Half-Life 2‘s Father Grigori, who it seems has gone completely mad and has resorted to boiling and eating head crabs. Yes, we’re quite serious.
While the plot details of Ravenholm are somewhat scarce, this video does reveal quite a bit of the project’s gameplay. It appears that...
For those who don’t know, Arkane was once tasked with developing a Half-Life spin-off that would have focused on Half-Life 2‘s Ravenholm area. In case you didn’t read our retrospective on Half-Life 2‘s brilliant Ravenholm section, it was essentially a zombie-packed nightmare world loaded with classic horror imagery.
Arkane’s take on the Ravenholm concept would have starred Adrian Shephard: the protagonist of Half-Life: Opposing Force. The game also would have featured Half-Life 2‘s Father Grigori, who it seems has gone completely mad and has resorted to boiling and eating head crabs. Yes, we’re quite serious.
While the plot details of Ravenholm are somewhat scarce, this video does reveal quite a bit of the project’s gameplay. It appears that...
- 5/27/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Giving something away for nothing might not seem like the smartest business move. But free trials are now an essential part of many entertainment brands’ promotional strategies. From top movie streaming sites to some online gaming platforms, it has proven to be a successful tactic for attracting new customers and allowing them to sample the firm’s services.
But what are the best free trials for entertainment at the moment, and will this continue to be a viable business model for the leading entertainment brands? After all, Netflix famously dropped its free trials at the end of last year, so if you want to watch the new series of Medici, you’ll have to pay an up-front fee.
Free trials for gaming and communication
While movie and music streaming services are hugely popular, it’s hard to argue with the fact that younger generations are increasingly looking for free deals for video gaming.
But what are the best free trials for entertainment at the moment, and will this continue to be a viable business model for the leading entertainment brands? After all, Netflix famously dropped its free trials at the end of last year, so if you want to watch the new series of Medici, you’ll have to pay an up-front fee.
Free trials for gaming and communication
While movie and music streaming services are hugely popular, it’s hard to argue with the fact that younger generations are increasingly looking for free deals for video gaming.
- 5/18/2020
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
This article is part of our History of PC Gaming series. Read all of the articles here.
When famed PC game studio Valve set out to work on the first Half-Life in 1996, the team that would change the first-person shooter genre forever was mostly made up of amateur modders who’d cut their teeth on the Quake engine. The studio itself was self-funded by former Microsoft Windows designers Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington, a gamble that as you know paid off tremendously.
Many stories have already been written about Valve’s ascension from indie PC developer to the Aaa juggernaut that created Steam. Noclip’s documentary about how the Half-Life games influenced so many other developers, early esports pros, modders, and fans is a particularly thrilling chronicle of Valve’s story.
But one part of Half-Life‘s history that is sometimes overlooked is the role played by the performers who...
When famed PC game studio Valve set out to work on the first Half-Life in 1996, the team that would change the first-person shooter genre forever was mostly made up of amateur modders who’d cut their teeth on the Quake engine. The studio itself was self-funded by former Microsoft Windows designers Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington, a gamble that as you know paid off tremendously.
Many stories have already been written about Valve’s ascension from indie PC developer to the Aaa juggernaut that created Steam. Noclip’s documentary about how the Half-Life games influenced so many other developers, early esports pros, modders, and fans is a particularly thrilling chronicle of Valve’s story.
But one part of Half-Life‘s history that is sometimes overlooked is the role played by the performers who...
- 3/27/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
The holy grail of video games may actually be more than just a myth after all.
Having become something of a meme synonymous with vaporware over the last several years, Half-Life 3 has frequently been hinted at by developer Valve, though now, more than a decade on from Half-Life 2: Episode Two‘s release, it appears the series creator would rather do absolutely anything other than attempt to provide a worthwhile sequel to a game often considered to be one of the best ever made.
Last year, it seemed as if fan fortunes had finally changed, following rumours that a new Half-Life title was to be imminently announced. The hearsay turned out to be completely true, of course, though in place of a threequel, Valve announced spinoff Vr experience, Half-Life: Alyx. Starring Gordon Freeman’s trusted friend and ally Alyx Vance, the first-person shooter serves as a prequel to the main franchise and,...
Having become something of a meme synonymous with vaporware over the last several years, Half-Life 3 has frequently been hinted at by developer Valve, though now, more than a decade on from Half-Life 2: Episode Two‘s release, it appears the series creator would rather do absolutely anything other than attempt to provide a worthwhile sequel to a game often considered to be one of the best ever made.
Last year, it seemed as if fan fortunes had finally changed, following rumours that a new Half-Life title was to be imminently announced. The hearsay turned out to be completely true, of course, though in place of a threequel, Valve announced spinoff Vr experience, Half-Life: Alyx. Starring Gordon Freeman’s trusted friend and ally Alyx Vance, the first-person shooter serves as a prequel to the main franchise and,...
- 3/25/2020
- by Joe Pring
- We Got This Covered
Half-Life: Alyx may prove to be one of the best games of 2020, but its Vr hardware requirements mean that many of us won’t get a chance to play it for quite some time (if at all). This has left some fans wondering if a more traditional, non-vr version of the game will ever be released.
While it doesn’t sound like such a version of Half-Life: Alyx is in Valve’s official plans, Half-Life game designer Robin Walker says they wouldn’t mind if fans pursue that project.
“I so want them to do that!” says Walker regarding a possible “2D” mod of Half-Life: Alyx in an interview with Eurogamer. “I’m so excited to see that! There are a lot of people on the team who have asked this question many times. It’s going to happen, and I can’t wait.”
While it sounds like there are...
While it doesn’t sound like such a version of Half-Life: Alyx is in Valve’s official plans, Half-Life game designer Robin Walker says they wouldn’t mind if fans pursue that project.
“I so want them to do that!” says Walker regarding a possible “2D” mod of Half-Life: Alyx in an interview with Eurogamer. “I’m so excited to see that! There are a lot of people on the team who have asked this question many times. It’s going to happen, and I can’t wait.”
While it sounds like there are...
- 3/24/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Alas, it looks as if a Left 4 Dead 3 simply isn’t high on Valve’s priority to-do list. The series, a four-player co-op survival horror, is often considered to be one of the best multiplayer experiences money can buy and yet, despite such obvious popularity, the developer seemingly has other projects demanding the lion’s share of its attention, chief of which being Half-Life: Alyx.
The ambitious virtual reality title, available now for PC, marks the first continuation of gaming’s most iconic Fps in over a decade and while not the direct sequel to Half-Life 2 that many had perhaps hoped, has nonetheless managed to impress fans and critics alike. As for Left 4 Dead, however, it appears as if those hoping to team up with three others for a session or two of cathartic zombie-slaying entertainment may be in for the same long haul wait as Half-Life lovers.
In a recent interview with IGN,...
The ambitious virtual reality title, available now for PC, marks the first continuation of gaming’s most iconic Fps in over a decade and while not the direct sequel to Half-Life 2 that many had perhaps hoped, has nonetheless managed to impress fans and critics alike. As for Left 4 Dead, however, it appears as if those hoping to team up with three others for a session or two of cathartic zombie-slaying entertainment may be in for the same long haul wait as Half-Life lovers.
In a recent interview with IGN,...
- 3/24/2020
- by Joe Pring
- We Got This Covered
This Half-Life article contains spoilers.
It seemed like this day would never come. A new Half-Life game has been released by Valve, 13 years after the last installment, Half-Life 2: Episode 2, ended on a grim cliffhanger, with no sign that the story would ever be completed.
Half-Life: Alyx isn’t exactly the sequel you were waiting for, but it’s nonetheless a fascinating look into what will likely be the future of the franchise. The Vr game is set after the first Half-Life but five years before the events of Half-Life 2. Fan-favorite Alyx Vance has already joined the fight against the Combine invaders in City 17, and when her father, the scientist Eli Vance, is captured by the enemy, the young hero springs into action and sets out on a mission to rescue him.
But as the story unfolds, all roads lead to a much bigger mystery that has huge implications...
It seemed like this day would never come. A new Half-Life game has been released by Valve, 13 years after the last installment, Half-Life 2: Episode 2, ended on a grim cliffhanger, with no sign that the story would ever be completed.
Half-Life: Alyx isn’t exactly the sequel you were waiting for, but it’s nonetheless a fascinating look into what will likely be the future of the franchise. The Vr game is set after the first Half-Life but five years before the events of Half-Life 2. Fan-favorite Alyx Vance has already joined the fight against the Combine invaders in City 17, and when her father, the scientist Eli Vance, is captured by the enemy, the young hero springs into action and sets out on a mission to rescue him.
But as the story unfolds, all roads lead to a much bigger mystery that has huge implications...
- 3/23/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
In an interview with IGN, veteran Valve level designer Dario Casali spoke about why the company never released Half-Life 3 or Half-Life 2: Episode 3. As we’ve heard in the past regarding one of gaming’s most famous non-existent sequels, the basic answer is “it’s complicated.”
However, Casali at least offered quite a lot to say on the subject beginning with the problems posed by Valve’s intended episodic format for the series.
“After working on Half-Life 2 for six years we decided we didn’t want to go dark for so long,” Casali says with an understanding of the irony of his statement. “That’s why we started doing the episodes where we thought, ‘Well, we have the stable technology now. We understand the characters, we understand the story, we have most of the mechanics. Let’s just bite off little chunks and then release more often. We think players...
However, Casali at least offered quite a lot to say on the subject beginning with the problems posed by Valve’s intended episodic format for the series.
“After working on Half-Life 2 for six years we decided we didn’t want to go dark for so long,” Casali says with an understanding of the irony of his statement. “That’s why we started doing the episodes where we thought, ‘Well, we have the stable technology now. We understand the characters, we understand the story, we have most of the mechanics. Let’s just bite off little chunks and then release more often. We think players...
- 3/23/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
With Half-Life: Alyx out this month, fans are getting the first installment in the series since 2007. But the new Vr title from Valve isn’t the Half-Life 2: Episode 3 that fans have been asking for since the studio went quiet on the series more than a decade ago. Alyx is an interquel set between the first Half-Life and Half-Life 2 that tells the story of what the titular hero was up to before Gordon Freeman arrived in City 17. While you may be disappointed that this isn’t exactly Half-Life 3, Valve developers Chris Remo and Robin Walker have told IGN that, hopefully, Alyx will lead to more Half-Life games in the near future.
“Hopefully everyone likes the game, and they want more of it,” Walker said, suggesting that a positive reaction from fans will mean that Valve can make more Half-Life games and sooner than the last one. “I hope we...
“Hopefully everyone likes the game, and they want more of it,” Walker said, suggesting that a positive reaction from fans will mean that Valve can make more Half-Life games and sooner than the last one. “I hope we...
- 3/5/2020
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
It’s been 12 years since the last Half-Life game was released in 2007, and just when fans of the iconic franchise seemed to have lost all hope that Valve would ever continue the series, the company took to Twitter to announce a new installment. Half-Life: Alyx has been revealed as the studio’s “flagship” virtual reality game.
The title is an interquel set between the events of the first Half-Life and Half-Life 2, following Alyx’s life before Gordon Freeman arrived in City 17. Alyx is on a mission to save her father, the scientist Eli Vance, who’s been kidnapped by the evil Combine.
The game will feature a new weapon inspired by the series’ Gravity Gun called “Grabbity Gloves,” which allows you to pull items in the environment towards you. You’ll also have a handy pistol for dispatching Combine soldiers and headcrab zombies. Judging from the gameplay footage thus far,...
The title is an interquel set between the events of the first Half-Life and Half-Life 2, following Alyx’s life before Gordon Freeman arrived in City 17. Alyx is on a mission to save her father, the scientist Eli Vance, who’s been kidnapped by the evil Combine.
The game will feature a new weapon inspired by the series’ Gravity Gun called “Grabbity Gloves,” which allows you to pull items in the environment towards you. You’ll also have a handy pistol for dispatching Combine soldiers and headcrab zombies. Judging from the gameplay footage thus far,...
- 3/4/2020
- by jbindeck2015
- Den of Geek
Matthew Byrd Feb 26, 2020
The long-awaited Half-Life "fan" remake Black Mesa is finally set to make its official debut.
Ambitious Half-Life remake Black Mesa is set to be officially released on March 5 following an extended stay in Steam’s Early Access program.
"Through luck, hard work, and maybe a bit of ignorance we didn’t shy away from our goal of bringing this game to completion," says Adam Engels of the Black Mesa team via a blog post. “We are proud of what we built. We think this upcoming 1.0 release is the best, most polished, and most fun version of the game yet. The anticipation and excitement around our project is beyond flattering."
So why is Black Mesa finally being officially released now after spending about five years as one of the Early Access program’s most notable titles? Well, the biggest reason is seemingly the fairly recent release of the game’s long-awaited Xen update.
The long-awaited Half-Life "fan" remake Black Mesa is finally set to make its official debut.
Ambitious Half-Life remake Black Mesa is set to be officially released on March 5 following an extended stay in Steam’s Early Access program.
"Through luck, hard work, and maybe a bit of ignorance we didn’t shy away from our goal of bringing this game to completion," says Adam Engels of the Black Mesa team via a blog post. “We are proud of what we built. We think this upcoming 1.0 release is the best, most polished, and most fun version of the game yet. The anticipation and excitement around our project is beyond flattering."
So why is Black Mesa finally being officially released now after spending about five years as one of the Early Access program’s most notable titles? Well, the biggest reason is seemingly the fairly recent release of the game’s long-awaited Xen update.
- 2/26/2020
- Den of Geek
Late last year, Valve announced a new Half-Life game to release in 2020. It was revealed to be the Vr game Half-Life: Alyx, taking place between the events Half-Life and Half-Life 2. While it may not have been the third Half-Life game fans have been yearning for, it has still generated tons of excitement from […]
The post Valve Confirms Half-Life: Alyx Release Date appeared first on Cinelinx.
The post Valve Confirms Half-Life: Alyx Release Date appeared first on Cinelinx.
- 2/14/2020
- by Matt Malliaros
- Cinelinx
Matthew Byrd Feb 12, 2020
Half-Life is one of the most important games of all-time, but you may not know about all the ways that it changed things.
This article is part of our History of PC Gaming series.
When released in 1998, Half-Life was so ahead of its time that it actually rarely gets credit for all of the innovations it introduced to the shooter genre and gaming as a whole. Things like scripted story sequences that play out without cutscenes have long been associated with Half-Life, but there's more to Valve's PC shooter than just its game-changing approach to storytelling. From grenade throwing to mods, Half-Life changed how you play video games in ways that you may not even realize.
In terms of impact on PC gaming, Half-Life stands as one of the most important titles ever released. Valve's PC shooter is not only one of the titles that defined...
Half-Life is one of the most important games of all-time, but you may not know about all the ways that it changed things.
This article is part of our History of PC Gaming series.
When released in 1998, Half-Life was so ahead of its time that it actually rarely gets credit for all of the innovations it introduced to the shooter genre and gaming as a whole. Things like scripted story sequences that play out without cutscenes have long been associated with Half-Life, but there's more to Valve's PC shooter than just its game-changing approach to storytelling. From grenade throwing to mods, Half-Life changed how you play video games in ways that you may not even realize.
In terms of impact on PC gaming, Half-Life stands as one of the most important titles ever released. Valve's PC shooter is not only one of the titles that defined...
- 1/27/2020
- Den of Geek
Matthew Byrd Jan 22, 2020
It turns out Valve has a very good reason for not talking about Half-Life for so long.
During the same Reddit Ama that confirmed Half-Life: Alyx will feature some horror elements, at least one fan couldn't help but point out that it all seemed a bit strange that Valve is not only making a new Half-Life game but actually talking to the community about it. Surprisingly, Valve addressed that comment.
"Half-Life isn't like Fight Club," said a Valve representative via the studio's Twitter account. "There was never a first rule of 'we must never speak of it!'"
So why did it take so long for Valve to talk about Half-Life again? It turns out that it's not that complicated.
"We didn't talk about Half-Life for a long time because we weren't actively working on a Half-Life game," says Valve. "Once Half-Life: Alyx became a reality internally,...
It turns out Valve has a very good reason for not talking about Half-Life for so long.
During the same Reddit Ama that confirmed Half-Life: Alyx will feature some horror elements, at least one fan couldn't help but point out that it all seemed a bit strange that Valve is not only making a new Half-Life game but actually talking to the community about it. Surprisingly, Valve addressed that comment.
"Half-Life isn't like Fight Club," said a Valve representative via the studio's Twitter account. "There was never a first rule of 'we must never speak of it!'"
So why did it take so long for Valve to talk about Half-Life again? It turns out that it's not that complicated.
"We didn't talk about Half-Life for a long time because we weren't actively working on a Half-Life game," says Valve. "Once Half-Life: Alyx became a reality internally,...
- 1/22/2020
- Den of Geek
Matthew Byrd Jan 22, 2020
Half-Life: Alyx will pay tribute to some of Half-Life's greatest moments by utilizing some traditional horror.
In a recent Reddit Ama the Half-Life: Alyx team answered some questions regarding the much anticipated upcoming Vr title. The conversation soon turned to whether or not Alyx will utilize Vr horror elements. According to one playtests, Alyx not only features horror aspects but they may prove to be pretty intense for some.
"I admit I cannot deal with headcrabs in general, and definitely not in Vr," says Valve's Tristan Reidford. "If I'm testing the game, and I'm in an area where I know one of those things is around, I'll remove the headset and hold it off my face as I attempt to navigate on the 2d monitor screen, to lessen the impact of headcrab discovery."
Amusingly, Reidford admits that it seems they were "the only one on...
Half-Life: Alyx will pay tribute to some of Half-Life's greatest moments by utilizing some traditional horror.
In a recent Reddit Ama the Half-Life: Alyx team answered some questions regarding the much anticipated upcoming Vr title. The conversation soon turned to whether or not Alyx will utilize Vr horror elements. According to one playtests, Alyx not only features horror aspects but they may prove to be pretty intense for some.
"I admit I cannot deal with headcrabs in general, and definitely not in Vr," says Valve's Tristan Reidford. "If I'm testing the game, and I'm in an area where I know one of those things is around, I'll remove the headset and hold it off my face as I attempt to navigate on the 2d monitor screen, to lessen the impact of headcrab discovery."
Amusingly, Reidford admits that it seems they were "the only one on...
- 1/22/2020
- Den of Geek
Matthew Byrd Jan 21, 2020
You can download the major games in the Half-Life series for free starting now.
Valve has released free versions of the Half-Life franchise ahead of the release of Half-Life: Alyx.
"Half-Life: Alyx is coming in March, and we are celebrating early by making all games in the Half-Life series Free to play for Steam users, from now until the day it launches," says Valve via a post on Steam. "Half-Life: Alyx is set before the events of Half-Life 2 and the episodes, but the games share characters and story elements. The Half-Life: Alyx team believes that the best way to enjoy the new game is to play through the old ones, especially Half-Life 2 and the episodes, so we want to make that as easy as possible."
One thing that you should note about their announcement is that it seems the catch here is that you'll only be able...
You can download the major games in the Half-Life series for free starting now.
Valve has released free versions of the Half-Life franchise ahead of the release of Half-Life: Alyx.
"Half-Life: Alyx is coming in March, and we are celebrating early by making all games in the Half-Life series Free to play for Steam users, from now until the day it launches," says Valve via a post on Steam. "Half-Life: Alyx is set before the events of Half-Life 2 and the episodes, but the games share characters and story elements. The Half-Life: Alyx team believes that the best way to enjoy the new game is to play through the old ones, especially Half-Life 2 and the episodes, so we want to make that as easy as possible."
One thing that you should note about their announcement is that it seems the catch here is that you'll only be able...
- 1/21/2020
- Den of Geek
Matthew Byrd Jan 17, 2020
Valve has finally confirmed that they are not working on any new Left 4 Dead games.
In a statement to IGN, Valve officially put those Left 4 Dead 3 rumors to bed.
“We did briefly explore some Left 4 Dead next-gen opportunities a few years ago. But we are absolutely not working on anything L4D related now, and haven’t for years," says Valve regarding recent reports which suggest that Left 4 Dead 3 is in active development. "It’s clear some people are having fun creating misinformation to spin up the community and other outlets. Unfortunately, for now, a new L4D game is not something we’re working on.”
The recent rumors Valve refers to come from sources that are now clearly not worth naming. Basically, though, they suggested that Valve was working on a new Left 4 Dead game that was likely going to be a Vr title. That now...
Valve has finally confirmed that they are not working on any new Left 4 Dead games.
In a statement to IGN, Valve officially put those Left 4 Dead 3 rumors to bed.
“We did briefly explore some Left 4 Dead next-gen opportunities a few years ago. But we are absolutely not working on anything L4D related now, and haven’t for years," says Valve regarding recent reports which suggest that Left 4 Dead 3 is in active development. "It’s clear some people are having fun creating misinformation to spin up the community and other outlets. Unfortunately, for now, a new L4D game is not something we’re working on.”
The recent rumors Valve refers to come from sources that are now clearly not worth naming. Basically, though, they suggested that Valve was working on a new Left 4 Dead game that was likely going to be a Vr title. That now...
- 1/17/2020
- Den of Geek
Valve is ready to resurrect a number of its long-dormant franchises, it seems.
For those that missed the big news last month, the publisher confirmed, following a number of leaks, that its iconic Half-Life series is finally set to receive its first release since 2007’s Episode Two expansion. Much to the surprise – and disbelief, considering how long fans have been waiting – of many, the reveal didn’t come in the form of Half-Life 3, but a spinoff title developed exclusively for virtual reality, no less.
Beyond confirmation of a name, Half-Life: Alyx, Valve has yet to reveal any further specifics about the title, though with The Game Awards no more than a few days away, the general consensus (thanks to previous leaks) is that the ceremony will play host to a proper showcase.
Now, however, it appears as if Half-Life isn’t the only series set to receive some much-needed modernization.
For those that missed the big news last month, the publisher confirmed, following a number of leaks, that its iconic Half-Life series is finally set to receive its first release since 2007’s Episode Two expansion. Much to the surprise – and disbelief, considering how long fans have been waiting – of many, the reveal didn’t come in the form of Half-Life 3, but a spinoff title developed exclusively for virtual reality, no less.
Beyond confirmation of a name, Half-Life: Alyx, Valve has yet to reveal any further specifics about the title, though with The Game Awards no more than a few days away, the general consensus (thanks to previous leaks) is that the ceremony will play host to a proper showcase.
Now, however, it appears as if Half-Life isn’t the only series set to receive some much-needed modernization.
- 12/11/2019
- by Joe Pring
- We Got This Covered
Matthew Byrd Nov 27, 2019
Xbox's Phil Spencer says the team will not focus on Vr due to a lack of true demand.
Xbox head Phil Spencer has indicated that Microsoft and the Xbox team have no plans on incorporating Vr as they prepare for the release of Xbox Scarlett.
"I have some issues with Vr," said Spencer in an interview with Stevivor. "It's isolating and I think of games as a communal, kind of together experience. We're responding to what our customers are asking for and... nobody's asking for Vr. The vast majority of our customers know if they want a Vr experience, there's places to go get those. We see the volumes of those on PC and other places."
So does that mean that the Xbox team will never pivot towards Vr? Spencer suggests that they may eventually, but it really comes down to how profitable the Vr scene proves to be.
Xbox's Phil Spencer says the team will not focus on Vr due to a lack of true demand.
Xbox head Phil Spencer has indicated that Microsoft and the Xbox team have no plans on incorporating Vr as they prepare for the release of Xbox Scarlett.
"I have some issues with Vr," said Spencer in an interview with Stevivor. "It's isolating and I think of games as a communal, kind of together experience. We're responding to what our customers are asking for and... nobody's asking for Vr. The vast majority of our customers know if they want a Vr experience, there's places to go get those. We see the volumes of those on PC and other places."
So does that mean that the Xbox team will never pivot towards Vr? Spencer suggests that they may eventually, but it really comes down to how profitable the Vr scene proves to be.
- 11/27/2019
- Den of Geek
Spencer Mullen Nov 26, 2019
The Tesla Cybertruck, A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, Half-Life, and more in today's daily Link Tank!
The Tesla Cybertruck defeated the Ford F-150 in a pitted tug of war based on video footage.
"Tesla’s Cybertruck is taking on the best-selling vehicle in the United States. Based on released video footage, it seems Elon Musk’s all-electric pickup truck beats the Ford F-150 when the pair are pitted in a tug of war."
Read more at Inverse.
Users on Twitter were asked to name the single best TV episode of the decade by podcaster.
"Podcaster Gabriel Urbina asked Twitter users to name the single best TV episode of the decade. There were the usual suspects, and some surprises, and some deep cuts."
Read more at The Mary Sue.
The first measurements of a blue whale's heart rate have shocked marine biologists.
"For the first time ever,...
The Tesla Cybertruck, A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, Half-Life, and more in today's daily Link Tank!
The Tesla Cybertruck defeated the Ford F-150 in a pitted tug of war based on video footage.
"Tesla’s Cybertruck is taking on the best-selling vehicle in the United States. Based on released video footage, it seems Elon Musk’s all-electric pickup truck beats the Ford F-150 when the pair are pitted in a tug of war."
Read more at Inverse.
Users on Twitter were asked to name the single best TV episode of the decade by podcaster.
"Podcaster Gabriel Urbina asked Twitter users to name the single best TV episode of the decade. There were the usual suspects, and some surprises, and some deep cuts."
Read more at The Mary Sue.
The first measurements of a blue whale's heart rate have shocked marine biologists.
"For the first time ever,...
- 11/26/2019
- Den of Geek
Matthew Byrd Nov 22, 2019
It sounds like Half-Life: Alyx Will be slightly longer than your average Vr game.
If you're worried that Half-Life: Alyx is going to be more of a Vr tech demo than a full game, we've got some good news for you.
“This isn’t a spinoff or a side story, or anything of the sort,” says Half-Life: Alyx programmer Robin Walker in an interview with IGN. "It’s a full-scale campaign - repeated playtest results indicate it’s about the same length as Half-Life 2.”
While Walker says that this is more than a spinoff, it's worth noting that it sounds like the Half-Life team did not initially intend for Alyx to be a proper Half-Life game.
"We didn’t set out to make a Half-Life game,” says Walker. "Like many game developers, we often use our previous games to experiment with new design ideas. So in this case,...
It sounds like Half-Life: Alyx Will be slightly longer than your average Vr game.
If you're worried that Half-Life: Alyx is going to be more of a Vr tech demo than a full game, we've got some good news for you.
“This isn’t a spinoff or a side story, or anything of the sort,” says Half-Life: Alyx programmer Robin Walker in an interview with IGN. "It’s a full-scale campaign - repeated playtest results indicate it’s about the same length as Half-Life 2.”
While Walker says that this is more than a spinoff, it's worth noting that it sounds like the Half-Life team did not initially intend for Alyx to be a proper Half-Life game.
"We didn’t set out to make a Half-Life game,” says Walker. "Like many game developers, we often use our previous games to experiment with new design ideas. So in this case,...
- 11/22/2019
- Den of Geek
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