Every step that Valve takes is another mistake to Vivendi...

[Kouler]

Assuming Valve wins the trial, whats next? I say we will get a release date. Any other ideas?

 

[Asuka]

Humm not really...Dunno.

I dont think the trial is effecting the release date.

 

[Chris D]

The outcome of the trial probably won't affect Half-Life 2 as there will be continuous hearings into 2005. And with Vivendi's tender financial situation, I doubt they'll want to delay the game again.

I imagine rather than delaying the game, they'll continue to work together, get the game out to people, and then whoever wins will recoup their losses from the other party when the hearing is settled.

 

[kilword]

yep

The outcome of the trial probably won't affect Half-Life 2 as there will be continuous hearings into 2005. And with Vivendi's tender financial situation, I doubt they'll want to delay the game again.

I imagine rather than delaying the game, they'll continue to work together, get the game out to people, and then whoever wins will recoup their losses from the other party when the hearing is settled.

That sounds about right to cover the situation

 

[f|uke]

Go VALVe! Down with greedy middle men!

 

[Ecthe|ioN]

The outcome of the trial probably won't affect Half-Life 2 as there will be continuous hearings into 2005. And with Vivendi's tender financial situation, I doubt they'll want to delay the game again.

I imagine rather than delaying the game, they'll continue to work together, get the game out to people, and then whoever wins will recoup their losses from the other party when the hearing is settled.

You are a smart human being Chris_D. Do you want to be my mentor ? :naughty:

 

[Dead-Inside]

You are a smart human being Chris_D. Do you want to be my mentor ? :naughty:

It was pretty obvious to me. I guess either people really are dumber then me or they're blind from all the HL2 excitement. I don't know but it doesn't look good for humanity.

 

[Absinthe]

Go VALVe! Down with greedy middle men!

If the rolling of my eyes continues like this, they'll fall out.

 

[ukfluke]

well i can see atime where valve are those greedy middlemen publishing other peeps games through steam. For a small fee of course

 

[Hazar]

The outcome of the trial probably won't affect Half-Life 2 as there will be continuous hearings into 2005. And with Vivendi's tender financial situation, I doubt they'll want to delay the game again.

I imagine rather than delaying the game, they'll continue to work together, get the game out to people, and then whoever wins will recoup their losses from the other party when the hearing is settled.

Let's hope it goes like that.

 

[smwScott]

Valve isn't exactly right in all of this either. Vivendi entered into the agreement that they would get full distrbution rights, then Valve comes up with Steam which will take out a large chunk of in-store sales. Whether or not this is in breach of the contract is up for debate, but it is certainly on questionable ethical ground (especially since the contract is as recent as 2001, and they already had plans for Steam).

It also appears that Valve could have purposely delayed the release of HL2 to hold out on Vivendi so that they can get what they want, which is borderline extortion.

We don't have all the facts, so it's hard to make an informed opinion on the matter. But regardless, I doubt either of the companies can afford to let HL2 slip much further.

 

[Steelwind]

Does anyone think Vivendi would hold off releasing HL2 until they get a verdict? If Vivendi is asking for the Intellectual Property, and gets it, then releasing HL2 after the verdict would net them more than twice as much money. Talk about fixing your financial problems. How big of a risk would they be taking? Sell it now and make as much as they can, or wait and see if they get a verdict. If they win they make mad cash, if not, they make what they would have if released today. Just food for thought.

 

[Reaktor4]

Valve isn't exactly right in all of this either. Vivendi entered into the agreement that they would get full distrbution rights

???
In 2001, Sierra gave in, and a new Software Publishing Agreement was signed in which "Sierra agreed to relinquish intellectual property rights and to allow Valve certain rights to the online distribution of games."
thats from here

 

[Mountain Man]

The outcome of the trial probably won't affect Half-Life 2 as there will be continuous hearings into 2005. And with Vivendi's tender financial situation, I doubt they'll want to delay the game again.

Ironically, Valve and Vivendi probably both want the game released ASAP for the same reason: they need the money to fight this lawsuit!