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Half-Life 2's Technical Details, Cost Estimates
Thanks to Computer Graphics Magazine for its feature on the graphical technology being used in Valve's eternally-awaited FPS Half-Life 2. Among the specifics discussed are innovative paths to graphical variety ("Using the same morph targets sculpted for facial animation, the system automatically alters the facial geometry to create, for example, a flatter or broader nose, or a squarer jaw. As a result, all the scientists, soldiers, and other homogeneous characters appear as unique, differentiated models"), and potential game mod options ("To firmly entrench itself in the future of game development, Softimage will package XSI EXP, a lite version of XSI, with every PC copy of Half-Life 2 [and make it available on the Softimage site this week].") Elsewhere, a Maxitmag interview with Valve's Gabe Newell has him musing: "Last time I checked, we were about $40 million into the project. Yikes, that's a scary number."
$40 million
Why put so much effort into faces when what really matters to male gamers are breasts and butts? Imagine how enticing it would be...
Using the same morph targets sculpted for body animation, the system automatically alters the rear and bosom geometry to create, for example, a bigger breast or rounder butt.
I'd buy that game.
--If the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off.
*drool*
The movie Gigli cost $54 million!. If price == quality then Half Life is going to blow! Kidding of course.
-Dipster
The videos I have seen of HL2's gameplay are amazing; groundbreaking in every area. Coupled with the fact that it's built around a solid narrative piece, I can't see how, or where it will fail.
You don't remember the SW : Episode One trailers now do you?
how much money has been sunk in Duke Nukem Forever so far?
Why, what are you talking about? Half Life 2 has already been released;~)
If my answers frighten you, stop asking scary questions.