Half-Life 2 Episode 2 Delayed into 2007

Eurogamer is reporting that the next episode of Half-Life 2 has been delayed out into 2007. Originally slated for the Holidays this year, their high standards has pushed the delay between Episodes 1 and 2 to 8 months. This information comes as part of an article Eurogamer is running with Valve's Doug Lombardi. From the article: "It's just sort of classic Valve being overly aggressive on our dates. But we're aiming for Q1 right now and we're really far along in the playtest stage. You know, our thing is always that we're trying to make really good experiences and so we're going to manage to that rather than the schedule."

Are we really surprised?

[thebdj]

I remember how long HL2 got delayed. I bought my ATI AIW 9600 Pro, because of the deal for HL2. Just so happens it got so delayed you only got the key. Of course, they did lots to try to make this up by providing the original HL catalog. These sorts of things happen, this isn't the first game delayed and surely won't be the last, especially when Valve is involved.

Quality

[CodemasterMM]

Valve's games constantly have very high quality, outstanding story and very enjoyable gameplay. To make their game as perfect as possible, I feel that giving them another 3-4 months is acceptable.

Good luck, Valve! Expect me to be buying Episode 2 soon.

Re:Quality

[Don_dumb]

HL2 was infamously delayed but unlike other postponed and hyped games (cough, *Daikatana*, cough), it really was worth it.
This site is full of stories of producers releasing games before the developers want it to happen. I am glad Valve still has the right priorities.

Incidentally I have just played through HL2 again and was reminded just how great it was (I kept finding ways to do things that I didn't notice before), now I am off home to get Ep1.

You know what they say..

[Supersonic1425]

Good things come to those who wait. HL2 was definitely worth the long wait.

Idea?

[no.17]

It better ship with a free headcrab/crowbar gift pack.

Worth the Wait

[i_ate_god]

I'd rather Valve refines and refines some more untill their video games are perfect.

HL2 is so meticulously detailed in all aspects. It's refreshing that Valve lives up to its artistic priorities before their business ones.