Valve Just Raised The Game Development Bar With Half-Life (Again)

The pivotal first-person shooter Half-Life is still breaking barriers today. Half-Life was first released for PC on November 19, 1998. It was followed up by a direct sequel, 2006’s Half-Life 2, and then, after a decade and a half of rumored revivals and canceled projects, 2020’s VR prequel Half-Life: Alyx. Half-Life was notable at the time of release for its realistic world, fluid movement, and unique methods of video game storytelling. By using scripted events instead of cutscenes to move the plot along, it keeps control constantly in the player’s hands.