Twenty years after its release in 2004, Half-Life 2 has set a new record for the number of players playing simultaneously on Steam. Over the weekend, the game reached a peak of over 61.7K players, the highest number since records began in 2008. The number of players is still increasing, showing the enduring popularity of this classic shooter.
The surge in players could be attributed to the special anniversary update released over the weekend. Players may be revisiting the game to experience nostalgia or to explore the new director’s commentary. Additionally, Valve is currently offering the game for free, attracting new players who may be trying it out for the first time.
In a recent documentary available on YouTube, the development team behind Half-Life 2 revealed that Episode 3 was abandoned in favor of focusing on the release of Left 4 Dead. Developer David Speyre explained that the team decided to prioritize Left 4 Dead, leading to the eventual shelving of Episode 3. Looking back, Speyre acknowledged that they could have dedicated the time to complete Episode 3, but at that time, the decision was made to move on and focus on developing a new engine for future Half-Life games.
The enduring popularity of Half-Life 2, even 20 years after its release, showcases the impact and influence of this iconic game in the gaming industry. As players continue to flock to the game, whether to relive old memories or discover it for the first time, Half-Life 2 remains a beloved title that has left a lasting legacy in the world of gaming.
