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The Crafting of Half-Life 2 - Episode Two

Posted by Zonk on from the headcrab-connects-to-the-zombine dept.

Now that they have some time to stop and think, the folks behind Half-Life 2: Episode Two are making the interview rounds. Halflife2.net has up a discussion with HL2 scribe Marc Laidlaw. They discuss some of the world-shaking events in this latest chapter of the game, with plenty of spoilers. (So be forewarned.) RPS, meanwhile, has an interview with project lead David Speyrer. The developer talks John Walker through the process of playtesting at Valve, what it's like to work at such a creative company, and the decisions they made regarding DX9 vs. DX10 tradeoffs during the dev process. "RPS: You chose to not use DX10 for the new games. Why was that? DS: For this set of products we decided to use some DX10 features, but not through the API itself. It's because we didn't want to be Vista only. We didn't feel there was an enough of an install base for the Orange Box launch. I'm sure we will use it - it's pretty much inevitable. But this time, things like the hardware face morphing is implemented via a back-door API. RPS: DX9 can do what DX10 offers then? DS: Yeah, but through driver-back doors. And I'm sure we'll rethink it at some point. For this roll out it was fine to do it as we did."

39 comments

  1. Think about the future by cthulu_mt · · Score: 5, Funny

    Go to OpenGL you idiots. Don't lock yourselves into the Combine's propritary format.

    WWGFD?

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    1. Re:Think about the future by Durrok · · Score: 1

      Shhh... talking about anything that could possibly involve linux support and valve can get you banned. ;)

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      I keep telling myself I'm not the desperate type.
    2. Re:Think about the future by MSFanBoi2 · · Score: 1, Troll

      How many times does it need to be said...

      OpenGL does NOT have the same feature set of DirectX.

      yes, OpenGL contains some of the same functionality of a subset of DirectX (namely DirectX Graphics, and its Direct3D API), but DirectX is a lot more than just 3D. It contains a LOT more... In fact in order to reach the functionality of DirectX, you need to include such goodies as SDL, OpenAL, OpenGL and more than likely a bunch of others.

      We won't even get into the functionality that XNA gives the developers.

    3. Re:Think about the future by elFarto+the+2nd · · Score: 1

      WWGFD?

      I'm not sure, but it would probably involve a crowbar.

      Regards
      elFarto
    4. Re:Think about the future by Chosen+Reject · · Score: 2, Informative

      XNA? Do you honestly think a company like Valve is going to use XNA?

      Regardless, it's a moot point as the Orange Box is going to be on the PS3, which means that the engine has already been ported to use something other than DirectX. So at this point it doesn't really matter if DirectX had only Direct3D or was so powerful it could produce a Half-Life 2 type of game with a point-and-click interface.

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    5. Re:Think about the future by Lehk228 · · Score: 1

      direct sound is useless for any devs who want to use EAX, so they will already be using openAL

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    6. Re:Think about the future by Ash-Fox · · Score: 1

      you need to include such goodies as SDL, OpenAL, OpenGL and more than likely a bunch of others.
      Or we could just use SDL which includes everything for sound, graphics (handled by OpenGL in SDL usually), input, networking etc.
      --
      Change is certain; progress is not obligatory.
    7. Re:Think about the future by ischorr · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Okay, fine, then use OpenGL for the 3d rendering, and platform-specific stuff for the rest. It's still MUCH easier to port, and breaks you out of the Vista lockin (unless the audio and interface handling APIs in DirectX 10 really ARE that much better/required).

      However, I cringe when I hear this argument for the same reason that I cringe every time I see someone correct someone saying "Linux" with "GNU/Linux". Yes, you may be technically more correct, but you KNOW what they meant, and in 99% of cases the pedantism doesn't change the point of their argument one bit. (Please, let's not get off on this tangent)

    8. Re:Think about the future by mike260 · · Score: 1

      No-one's locking themselves into anything - each SKU of the game uses the target platform's native APIs. For better or worse, on Windows boxes that means D3D (or whatever they're calling it nowadays).
      If you need to play an OpenGL build, get the PS3 version and eat your heart out.

    9. Re:Think about the future by Chandon+Seldon · · Score: 3, Interesting

      In fact in order to reach the functionality of DirectX, you need to include such goodies as SDL, OpenAL, OpenGL and more than likely a bunch of others.

      So... what's the problem? When you use those things, along with that set of OpenGL extensions that are implemented in the video cards that people have, you've got basically the same capabilities as DirectX - minus the proprietary lock-in.

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    10. Re:Think about the future by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      However, I cringe when I hear this argument for the same reason that I cringe every time I see someone correct someone saying "Linux" with "GNU/Linux". Yes, you may be technically more correct, but you KNOW what they meant, and in 99% of cases the pedantism doesn't change the point of their argument one bit.

      You've inadvertently hit the nail on the head and highlighted the central issue behind the GNU/Linux nomenclature argument. You and I might know what someone means by "Linux" but other people might not. Unless we use the "correct" (your term) terminology (ie. "GNU/Linux") we risk misleading people, causing them to believe that the point of "Linux" is simply to be cheap. That's not good for either the Free Software people or the Open Source people.

      Despite what Torvalds thinks, Linux is a very important representation of the Free Software movement and thusly, deserves its correct title.

    11. Re:Think about the future by Xenolith · · Score: 1

      No, there isn't a problem. Id software does just fine without using DirectX components. Portability of games based on Id's engines to linux is relatively easy. There are rumors that Valve is thinking of porting over to linux. http://valvesoftware.com/job-SenSoftEngineer.html . Note the section that says, "Port Windows-based games to the Linux platform."

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    12. Re:Think about the future by Chandon+Seldon · · Score: 1

      Note the section that says, "Port Windows-based games to the Linux platform."

      That could just be about dedicated servers, so I wouldn't get your hopes up too much. On the other hand, given Playstation 3 ports there's really no reason left *not* to do Linux (and Mac OS X) ports.

      --
      -- The act of censorship is always worse than whatever is being censored. Always.
    13. Re:Think about the future by complete+loony · · Score: 1

      Plus with the amount of work valve have put into using "driver-back doors" the cost of using these libraries shouldn't be prohibitive. And if they do need to work around limitations in these libraries they can even contribute their changes back to the community so that other game developers can benefit from their work.

      --
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  2. One tough achevement. by AltGrendel · · Score: 1

    I like the Little Rocket Man. I thought it was hilarious when I found out about it.

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    - Douglas Adams

    1. Re:One tough achevement. by Fallingcow · · Score: 1

      I spotted it before I looked at the achievement and was like, "wtf?"

      Sent the little guy in to space on my third playthrough (second one was for commentary).

    2. Re:One tough achevement. by coldcell · · Score: 1
      I think it's one of the marks of a fantastic game, when you enjoy it so much that you'll happily relive the moments with added challenges. Undertaking tasks so amazingly frustrating as carrying a gnome through a railway while being shot at by a helicopter, and actually ENJOYING the game is an astounding achievement.

      Though I liked Ep1 simply for the return to the HL2 world, Ep2 managed to get me to play all the way through at least 3 times (and many more times through certain enjoyable sections) specifically for adding stuff like this, and the dev commentary.

      I would have liked some special reward or unlock for completing all of their challenges, though I guess the accomplishment itself is a reward of sorts.

      --
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  3. Episodic content? What episodic content? by ScotchForBreakfast · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I don't understand why the folks at Valve still keep talking about their two irregularly released expansions as "episodic content". I would expect episodic content to be released at some reliable (intervals, and more than just two "episodes". This isn't "episodic content" they're just expansion packs.

  4. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by Lord+Ender · · Score: 1

    The only reason I played HL2 Ep2 was because it came with the Orange Box. It was fun, but there is no way I would pay $30 (the cost on Steam) just for episode 2. I beat it in four days and by its nature it has zero replay value.

    If Valve wants any chance of HL episodes making it big time, the price needs to come down to $10 or less.

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  5. And? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    What would be Valve's incentive to ditch all the work they've put into DirectX and switch to OpenGL? A few more sales on OSX and Linux? They are not hurting that bad. Also, what does it matter which graphics API they use when the game itself is locked into Steam?

  6. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by Ash-Fox · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I beat it in four days and by its nature it has zero replay value.
    It took me only five hours... And I'm not really a gamer.
    --
    Change is certain; progress is not obligatory.
  7. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by Lord+Ender · · Score: 1

    Well, if you left it on the default "easy" mode, and you aren't the type to explore the maps, then you could beat it quite quickly, I'm sure. I think it took me about 8 hours, all told. I'm not the type to play for five hours straight.

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  8. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I am a gamer and that's about how long it took me.

    I hope that Valve can get some cheap labor from the unemployed writers in Hollywood and start making stuff faster. 5 hours every other year? If your gonna do story driven content, more stuff faster please :)

  9. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by Bryansix · · Score: 1

    Do you need the original HL2 to play Ep2? If not then it's obviously not an expansion pack. I agree about the price. That's why I got the Orange Box as well. Also they do make improvements to the engine and graphics with each episode so that is good.

  10. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by Ash-Fox · · Score: 1

    Well, if you left it on the default "easy" mode
    Default is medium, not easy.

    and you aren't the type to explore the maps, then you could beat it quite quickly
    Oh, I do, but that's when I play the game a second time.

    I think it took me about 8 hours, all told. I'm not the type to play for five hours straight.
    Neither am I. I didn't say I played the game in five hours straight. It took me in all five hours from start to finish.
    --
    Change is certain; progress is not obligatory.
  11. Gnome Achievement by mackil · · Score: 3, Funny

    You obviously haven't completed the Gnome achievement. That should add a few weeks of gameplay. ;)

    1. Re:Gnome Achievement by Fallingcow · · Score: 1

      My Gnome playthrough was much faster than my first one, AND I managed to get the "cache checker" and "pinata" achievements in the same game.

      There are only a few parts where you have to carry it, as you can drop it any time you are somewhere that you'll be returning to.

      The ONLY hard part was the car, and even that only had ~5 minutes of play that were really, REALLY hard.

    2. Re:Gnome Achievement by jmccarthy · · Score: 1

      Well, assuming you don't get it on the first playthrough, it at least doubles your playtime by nature. It's just annoying, though. The real challenge is Neighborhood Watch. What a vicious achievement it is.

    3. Re:Gnome Achievement by Seakip18 · · Score: 1

      Oh man. I remember driving as fast as possible, trying to take out hunters with the cars, then jumping-out-grav-gunning-then-throwing-the-damn-magnson in about 2 seconds in order to save a building.

      The gnome was kinda fun, but I, um, accidentally took him with me down to the ant lion den. Not fun running like woah with a gnome in your hands.

      --
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    4. Re:Gnome Achievement by Some_Llama · · Score: 1

      I left him on the side of the river before you cross and jump the car back over.. then i realized there was no way to retrieve him from under that big door you raise so the vorgaunt and alex can join you.. so i said screw it...

      I was gonna carry him through the whole way on my first time playing (fun taking out zombies with a gnome lol) as i looked through the achievements before playing and spotted the gnome right away (prolly cuz i was looking for him).

  12. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    To add to that, I read somewhere that they had some sort of mutual respect thing going with the guys who wrote episodes for "Lost" (the tv show).
    If that is the way they want to take HL2, count me out... I need my closure, dammit :)

  13. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by AndyCR · · Score: 1

    Who knows - you can't buy it without being roped into paying for HL2 along with it. :/

    --
    If there's anyone I hate more than stupid people, it's intellectuals.
  14. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by Bryansix · · Score: 1

    Actually, I'm pretty sure you can.

  15. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by BlueCollarCamel · · Score: 1

    Not everyone plays a game five hours a day. I managed to spread it out over two days.

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  16. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by Ash-Fox · · Score: 1

    Not everyone plays a game five hours a day. I managed to spread it out over two days.
    As I said in another response to this thread:

    Neither am I. I didn't say I played the game in five hours straight. It took me in all five hours from start to finish.
    --
    Change is certain; progress is not obligatory.
  17. half life 2 by mosta · · Score: 1

    I often times mused how the 3d engine was created, and I vow to create a superior engine if given the time and resources.

  18. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by AndyCR · · Score: 1

    Ah, thanks for pointing that out. Up to a few days ago, you couldn't, even on the Steam store to my knowledge.

    --
    If there's anyone I hate more than stupid people, it's intellectuals.
  19. Re:Episodic content? What episodic content? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Ah, thanks for pointing that out. Up to a few days ago, you couldn't, even on the Steam store to my knowledge. No, you always could. The Orange Box is a good deal anyway - you do want to play Portal, whether you know it or not, although TF2 is a bit meh (ETQW FTW).
  20. Steam Hardware Survey by Jestrzcap · · Score: 1

    Look at their hardware survey

    http://www.steampowered.com/status/survey.html

    Its not completely accurate because only a % (unknown) actually respond, but look at the ratio of XP to Vista: 11/1

    Now take a guess why they didn't do a Vista only release...

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