Valve’s iconic video game, Half-Life, is on the cusp of turning 25, making it one of the greatest games of all time. With this significant milestone approaching, Valve has pulled out all the stops with a major update for the game. One of the most exciting additions to the update is the inclusion of Half-Life Uplink, a demo that has eluded many fans for years. While some parts of Uplink have been accessible on the internet, the majority of its content was not available in the original game. Valve has now made it possible for players to access Uplink simply by clicking the New Game button in Half-Life itself.
The update also features four brand new multiplayer maps, adding new dimensions to the gameplay experience. Among these, one map is set in an abandoned Xen outpost, while another is based at an old orbital satellite launch facility. In addition to these new maps, Valve has also included three other maps that were originally available on a disc called Half-Life: Further Data.
In response to long-standing requests from the gaming community, Valve has made it possible for players to experience the original Half-Life in widescreen format without the need for mods or fan remakes. Furthermore, the update incorporates controller support, under-the-hood updates, UI tweaks, and bug fixes, as well as Steam Networking support to make multiplayer gaming smoother.
While Half-Life is a critical part of Valve’s history, it was previously labeled as Playable on Steam Deck rather than Verified. After undergoing extensive testing, Valve corrected the game’s performance issues, and it is now officially Verified, allowing it to run flawlessly on new Steam Deck OLED devices.
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To celebrate this milestone, Half-Life is available for free on Steam until November 20th, and various Half-Life and Valve bundles are on sale during this period. Furthermore, Half-Life Alyx, a more recent addition to the franchise, is being offered at a discounted price of 66%. Valve emphasizes that the anniversary edition of Half-Life is now considered the definitive version and will be the focus of future support, while the older Half-Life: Source will be less prominent but will remain available for modders to use its assets.
As part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations, Valve has also released a 65-minute documentary featuring interviews with developers and co-founders, providing an insightful look into the early days of Valve and their memories of working on Half-Life.
In conclusion, Valve’s commitment to reviving the Half-Life experience in its 25th year is a testament to the lasting impact and significance of this iconic game. By bringing back original launch day content, introducing new multiplayer maps, and enhancing the overall gameplay experience, Valve has ensured that Half-Life continues to be a beloved and cherished part of the gaming landscape. Happy Birthday, Mr. Freeman!
