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Half-Life 2 Gets Episode 1
Valve has announced that, instead of entitling their first downloadable mini-expansion to Half-Life 2 'Aftermath', the pack is now simply Episode 1. From the Gamespot article: "When asked whether the name change is indicative of a change in direction for the Half-Life 2 franchise, Valve marketing director Doug Lombardi replied, 'episodic.' When asked the follow-up question of whether the new name meant that beginning of a regular flow of content, Lombardi replied, 'yes.'"
"Aftermath" was a title that gave direction. It's the story after the events of Half Life 2. For the majority who haven't been following the development of the expansion, and knew nothing of the original title, the new moniker "Episode 1" seems to beg the question "Of what?".
First Counterstrike, then Aftermath. I think it's unnecessary for Valve to give their games the same names as Red Alert expansion packs.
We just need to see if those 10 episodes equate to a longer, more detailed game than the full Half-Life 2. I'm in the camp that thinks we'll be getting a better deal buying episode to episode rather than waiting for a compilation album.
I am optimistic and hope that each episode allows minor innovations that ultimatly result in an evolving sort of engine, bringing ever expanding longevity to the game (as modders revisit the original Half-Life 2 and integrate the new features much like modders such as Black Mesa:Source are doing to the original Half-Life.)
I enjoy storylines in games and believe that episode content will be one of the best things to advance their prominence since the original Half-Life.
Demented But Determined.
Whenever I've played a truly enjoyable first person shooter, I've always hoped that a sequel would be made. If a great game franchise, like Half Life 2 or SiN, successfully pursues an episodic approach it'll be a great thing for everyone involved.
* The game company will be sure of an ongoing revenue stream, so they'll continue to support the storyline, and
* Gamers will be able to continue to enjoy adventures in a world they enjoy. Possibly for YEARS.
I consider this a relationship model, as opposed to current games' "one night stand" model. If you like something, why WOULDN'T you want it to go on for years? Why WOULDN'T you get a subscription to it and keep enjoying it for as long as possible?
This is a natural progression. I think it's great. And I hope they include a persistent multiplayer feature, alongside the storyline episodes. THAT would be almost IDEAL.