It seems an ex-Valve writer has written up a blog post detailing what could have been the story for Half-Life 2: Episode 3. The writer, Marc Laidlaw, joined Valve in 1997 where he helped write and design Half-Life, Half-Life 2 and the episodes that continue after.
The blog post can be found here, but the site has been annihilated by eager fans wanting a read, so see this archived link.
The actual post doesn't name Half-Life directly, but the title is "Epistle 3" and it features characters such as "Gertie Fremont", so it's quite obvious really. It's worth noting though that Marc tweeted this out:
My website's down for now. I guess fanfic is popular, even a genderswapped snapshot of a dream I had many years ago.
— Marc Laidlaw (@marc_laidlaw) August 25, 2017
So this could be something he had written quite a while ago and he's simply adjusted a few things. It's sad really, as it's likely we will never get to see an Episode 3.
I have still yet to finish Episode 2, but I've also come to appreciate the story.
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Hmm, I wonder if this hints that HL3 will probably never see the light of day.
I'm pretty sure Laidlaw (still) knows the state of this game.
Why would he release this, if HL3 is coming?
I'm pretty sure Laidlaw (still) knows the state of this game.
Why would he release this, if HL3 is coming?
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Quoting: subHmm, I wonder if this hints that HL3 will probably never see the light of day.Because it's a story he wanted to write, and he knows won't appear in a game? If HL3 ever materializes, I doubt it would be based on any plans that might have existed for HL2 EP3.
I'm pretty sure Laidlaw (still) knows the state of this game.
Why would he release this, if HL3 is coming?
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Maybe , just maybe this could be a reverse PR technique.
Leak scenario and imply that is not gonna happen , feed the hunger of fans but also kill the expectations.
Under that scheme , if you release HL3 after killing the hype ; that can cause a massive hype even bigger than before.
Leak scenario and imply that is not gonna happen , feed the hunger of fans but also kill the expectations.
Under that scheme , if you release HL3 after killing the hype ; that can cause a massive hype even bigger than before.
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I think we will see a fan made episode 3 now. Even if the names will be changed to protect the innocent.
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Would be nice if fans finished what Valve has no intention to.
I hate stories that don't end properly. It's why I avoided playing HL2 episodes at all.
I hate stories that don't end properly. It's why I avoided playing HL2 episodes at all.
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razing32 You can play it but don't go to helicopter after "the firework"
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Quoting: axredneckrazing32 You can play it but don't go to helicopter after "the firework"
Episode 2 ?
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That ending infuriated me. Other than that, I really, really, enjoyed it.
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Interesting read, although the ending was a bit confusing.
I hope some fans will turn this third epistle playable :)
As a side note, it looks like the hyperborea name was part of the early prototype.
And I could have sworn seeing although my memory doesn't seem to be good on this one, as I couldn't find anything about it on the net.
I hope some fans will turn this third epistle playable :)
As a side note, it looks like the hyperborea name was part of the early prototype.
And I could have sworn seeing
Spoiler, click me
the Borealis flash in the portal 2 drydocks (which would be coherent with this "fanfict"),
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Mohandevir Aug 25, 2017
Wow! That would have been an awesome scenario. Some form of cameos for the portal gun would have been really nice too as earlier versions of the "Bootstrap device".
I read that HL3 never happened because Lord Gaben wasn't convinced... What does it takes?! :)
I read that HL3 never happened because Lord Gaben wasn't convinced... What does it takes?! :)
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HollowSoldier Aug 25, 2017
Hopefully Valve asked them to leak, so they know reactions without any risk. If people like it, they dig it up and release it. Maybe... With an in-game store. And hats.
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Mountain Man Aug 25, 2017
I really don't understand why Valve won't just make Half-Life 3.
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Mountain Man Aug 25, 2017
Quoting: LeopardMaybe , just maybe this could be a reverse PR technique.
Leak scenario and imply that is not gonna happen , feed the hunger of fans but also kill the expectations.
Under that scheme , if you release HL3 after killing the hype ; that can cause a massive hype even bigger than before.
Do they really need the hype? I'm convinced Valve could quietly release Half-Life 3 on Steam and it would become a best-seller within hours just from word of mouth alone.
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Quoting: Mountain ManDo they really need the hype? I'm convinced Valve could quietly release Half-Life 3 on Steam and it would become a best-seller within hours just from word of mouth alone.
Indeed. Even without even listing it in the store. It'd be picked up from steamdb in no time at all.
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Philadelphus Aug 25, 2017
Quoting: MayeulCalthough my memory doesn't seem to be good on this one, as I couldn't find anything about it on the net.Your memory may be playing tricks on you, I've never seen anything like that. ;) Would be cool though!
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Quoting: Mountain ManI really don't understand why Valve won't just make Half-Life 3.
It won't live up to expectations.
People are literally expecting the second coming by this point.
ANYTHING they make by comparison will be a let down if it doesn't bring world peace and the cure to cancer.
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The ending is too grim for an AAA title. I hardly expect the game would be released as the script suggests.
Besides;
part kills any further sequel possibility.
Besides;
Spoiler, click me
QuoteExpect no further correspondence from me regarding these matters; this is my final episode.
part kills any further sequel possibility.
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Quoting: Mountain ManQuoting: LeopardMaybe , just maybe this could be a reverse PR technique.
Leak scenario and imply that is not gonna happen , feed the hunger of fans but also kill the expectations.
Under that scheme , if you release HL3 after killing the hype ; that can cause a massive hype even bigger than before.
Do they really need the hype? I'm convinced Valve could quietly release Half-Life 3 on Steam and it would become a best-seller within hours just from word of mouth alone.
No , but expectations are beyond that Valve can provide.
So basically killing hopes is a better way to turn people from " HL3 must be the killer game " to " I've lost all my faith to an upcoming HL3 but finally we're getting it "
Valve shouldn't be worried about sales at all ( which they won't ) but Valve is at the risk of when a comparatively bad HL3 comes of calling as a new Ubisoft or EA.
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HL2 Ep3 is on GitHub! (sort of): https://github.com/Jackathan/MarcLaidlaw-Epistle3/blob/master/Epistle3_Corrected.md
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HollowSoldier Aug 27, 2017
Quoting: ageresHL2 Ep3 is on GitHub! (sort of): https://github.com/Jackathan/MarcLaidlaw-Epistle3/blob/master/Epistle3_Corrected.mdExpected modder effort to make an actual game, got text. Disappointed.
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