The new word from Steve Gibson of Shacknews

[f|uke]

As we all should know, Steve Gibson is the source of the "early release" rumors. Currently on Shacknews.com:

Half-Life 2 Sooner? [04:09 pm]
313 Comments - Steve Gibson
So a number of reports have been coming in of Half-Life 2 showing up sporadically. I even personally went out to investigate one location yesterday morning but turned up empty handed. The big question is of course if this means that Valve is going to unlock Half-Life 2 on Steam early because of this. I contacted Valve about this but at this time they are not making any comments on the situation.

However, to be clear a few random copies showing up because someone has a friend in the stock room or something like that isnt really something I would expect Valve to take the risk on. When someone shows up with pictures of dozens of copies of Half-Life 2 boxes on display and being purchased.. then something may happen. Also keep in mind that Valve is able to detect when someone attempts to activate Half-Life 2 over Steam, so it's not like they wont know if 30 copies are sold one day in Oregon. So if something like that happens, I suspect we'll all know about it.

For reference, here is the source of the confusion:

Steve Gibson wrote:
Source was my talking directly to Valve

-Steve Gibson


----- Original Message -----
From: **** ********

Subject: Your comment on retail stores and selling early.


You stated the other day that if some retail stores broke HL2 early that Steam would then unlock and thus making HL2 playable. Now my question is, what is your news source. Ive tried looking on the site but you havent stated any. Is this just your quess as to what will happen or did you have concrete evidence???

It seems that Steve is standing by his word that VALVe may release early. Still, it seems that some EBs have called all preorders, so there should actually be a "30 people in oregon"-type situation currently on.

My money is still on the 16th.

 

[Mr-Fusion]

It's just not Valve's style to allow people to play games they've purchased!

 

[bliink]

so there should actually be a "30 people in oregon"-type situation currently on.

thats really catchy..
but i like
"oregon syndrome" aka "china syndrome

 

[iamaelephant]

Interesting. I think it's every HL2 fans responsibility (spelled it right this time, I think) to go out and buy up dozens of copies from every store that has them in stock! Then maybe I can play my free copy a bit earlier

 

[thatdudekevin]

rofl oregon sydrome. Well since i orderd hl2 off steam im praying for a retailer to release early >

 

[iamaelephant]

It's just not Valve's style to allow people to play games they've purchased!

 

[Analognovelist]

Luckily, I'm one of those people that loves having his hopes and dreams crushed.. So I'm going to go ahead and assume this is true.

 

[Jesus Lincoln]

thanks for the heads fluke

 

[jaguar_987]

I wouldnt consider this an early release. A few copies have been taken home by people who probably work in the store.

For the game to get unlocked the game would have to be out on display for the general public to buy by a fair few stores.

Right now I highly doubt the game will be unlocked.

 

[oldagerocker]

I hope its true, but i dont want everyone playing before me if mine is still in the post. But mines due for dispatch on the 14th.. i could get it on the 15th... i hope i do...

 

[aDidor22]

Luckily, I'm one of those people that loves having his hopes and dreams crushed.. So I'm going to go ahead and assume this is true.

lol for some reason, i really liked that



(insert calm and yet refreshing laughing here)

 

[Jesus Lincoln]

Could someone explain this better? So if lots of people try to register with steam, it might get unlocked?

 

[SpuD]

I'm from oregon

 

[f|uke]

Could someone explain this better? So if lots of people try to register with steam, it might get unlocked?

According to Steve Gibson, yes, it might. But does he really know, or was he the victim of ill communicado?

 

[MajorPayne]

I'm from oregon

Me Too!

It's nice and green here (when you can see past the fog and rain, etc.). :E

 

[Jesus Lincoln]

I think that if this is true, Gabe should hustle his ass over here and say it isnt so people wont try

 

[Jesus Lincoln]

Well, they probably will anyways

 

[Feath]

It seems strange that he's the only one reporting this. You'd expect it to be a bit more widespread.

 

[Dr. Freeman]

I'm from oregon

Me Too!

then what the hell u guys doing browsing this forum?!?
go secure 50 copies of the game so Valve can unlock it for the rest of us

 

[MajorPayne]

then what the hell u guys doing browsing this forum?!?
go secure 50 copies of the game so Valve can unlock it for the rest of us

I've already got it on Steam, and I have Tuesday/Wednesday off, so I don't really need it to be released early that bad. Wouldn't mind either tho.

 

[Asuka]

It wont get unlocked early. Only 4 days 2 hours 22 mins 19 secs tell unlock.

 

[bliink]

I'm from oregon

Is it true that hl2 copies litter the streets over there??

 

[Gossoon]

I'm from oregon

Me Three.
And no, it's not out in Oregon. I don't know why he picked this state.

 

[f|uke]

Me Three.
And no, it's not out in Oregon. I don't know why he picked this state.

Probably for its Boondocity.

I just invented a new word!