Who will be able to preload HL2?

[SubKamran]

Everyone's been "can i preload cs:s?!11" but now, I want to ask, who will preload HL2? Don't we have to buy it first?

If that's the case I can't preload...since I already paid and it'll come in the mail :hmph:

 

[eQUIV]

I sent in all my info and whatnot to have a copy shipped to me from the voucher, however you don't receive a new cd key in your boxed version. So technically, you can enter the voucher cd key into steam and preload CS:S or HL2 while you wait for your boxed version.

The ati rep said they will call or e-mail me when HL2 is released, then they will ask for credit card payment for the shipping charges.

 

[Sushi]

Everyone should be able to upload HL2, Valve has not said anything against that yet.

 

[SubKamran]

eQUIV, it's not actually paid for, I got it free in a sweepstakes

So now what do I do...hahaha.

 

[eQUIV]

Everyone should be able to upload HL2, Valve has not said anything against that yet.

Realistically I wouldn't put money on that assumption. The only way I could see Valve let EVERYONE with a steam account preload HL2 is if they wanted to run a REALLY expensive test on the stability of the steam content provider servers.

Bandwidth = $$$$

 

[eQUIV]

eQUIV, it's not actually paid for, I got it free in a sweepstakes

So now what do I do...hahaha.

Hmmm, well... You're either screwed or you could buy HL2 via steam when it becomes an option. And then sell your HL2 copy when it comes to you in the mail.

Since most likely you won't get the snail-mail version until 2 weeks or so after the HL2 release.

 

[Gunner]

Equiv they're only uploading textures and sound files, the way I see it they'll keep uploading tidbits till the game itself is ready and that could be in a month or two. That way Steam won't be over-crowded and everyone will have a pre-loaded copy before the final release.

 

[SubKamran]

I'll just wait till HL2 comes out...I'll get my free version It's from Gamestop.

 

[maximus0402]

I get my download tonight for sure.

Only ATI Voucher people will get the download tonight if you scratched off the cd key and have opted to get through steam. If you want the boxed copy then you will have to wait for your boxed copy, simple as that. They are not going to be downloading this to ANYONE who has not purchased it yet, which at this point since there is no option to buy, then ATI people get it first.

 

[Gunner]

Only ATI Voucher people will get the download tonight if you scratched off the cd key and have opted to get through steam. If you want the boxed copy then you will have to wait for your boxed copy, simple as that. They are not going to be downloading this to ANYONE who has not purchased it yet, which at this point since there is no option to buy, then ATI people get it first.

How can you be a 100% sure? I'm asking because a lot of people are saying otherwise.

 

[Someone]

Only ATI Voucher people will get the download tonight if you scratched off the cd key and have opted to get through steam. If you want the boxed copy then you will have to wait for your boxed copy, simple as that. They are not going to be downloading this to ANYONE who has not purchased it yet, which at this point since there is no option to buy, then ATI people get it first.

That's kinda my guess too (key word:guess).

Seems logical that the pre-load would be for people who have entered their cd keys. Pretty much exaclty the way CS:S worked for people who had bought CZ. Not everyone could download that.

As someone said: Bandwidth = money and I can't see a reason for Valve to allow every single person access to the pre-load right now when they may or may not even buy the game, or may buy it in a store. It's just wasted money for them to do that.

 

[DiSTuRbEd]

Only ATI Voucher people will get the download tonight if you scratched off the cd key and have opted to get through steam. If you want the boxed copy then you will have to wait for your boxed copy, simple as that. They are not going to be downloading this to ANYONE who has not purchased it yet, which at this point since there is no option to buy, then ATI people get it first.

People are throwing around this rumor, and so far its false. Seeing as how they didn't say only ATi vouchers get it.

 

[Napalm]

Ok this is driving me nutz prove me wrong is all I can say to someone...VALVe has said nothing about requiring an ATI voucher to preload...where do you people get this stuff?!?

 

[eQUIV]

Ok this is driving me nutz prove me wrong is all I can say to someone...VALVe has said nothing about requiring an ATI voucher to preload...where do you people get this stuff?!?

Yes, but by that logic Valve has said nothing about the HL2 preload being availaible to everyone either. That is why people are debating.

The truth is no-one will know until a press-release or until around 6pm-7pm ish today. (If they are following the same time schedule as the CS:S preload)

 

[Napalm]

Exactly. :sniper:

 

[Someone]

Ok this is driving me nutz prove me wrong is all I can say to someone...VALVe has said nothing about requiring an ATI voucher to preload...where do you people get this stuff?!?

No need to be driven nuts We'll all know soon enough.

I think it goes both ways with this though: no valve/gabe said nothing about requiring an ATI voucher to pre-load...but then they never said you DIDN'T either.

The bottom line is we have no absolute answer one way or the other, just guesses. So no need to be angry

 

[Napalm]

Not angry just some people sounded like it was 100% set in stone that you had to have an ATi voucher...just unfounded...the last thing we need is spreading false information. You do have a point though, VALVe didn't say you didn't need a voucher...kudos to u Someone.

 

[Someone]

Not angry just some people sounded like it was 100% set in stone that you had to have an ATi voucher...just unfounded...the last thing we need is spreading false information. You do have a point though, VALVe didn't say you didn't need a voucher...kudos to u Someone.

I'm actually suprised we don't have an answer by now though. I can imagine the 14,000 emails Gabe and crew have gotten on this already hehe

 

[eQUIV]

Yes, kudos on basically rephrasing everything I already said one post before you. haha

 

[Someone]

Yes, kudos on basically rephrasing everything I already said one post before you. haha

LOL I saw that....we were typing at the same time sorry about that.

 

[kaf11]

Realistically I wouldn't put money on that assumption. The only way I could see Valve let EVERYONE with a steam account preload HL2 is if they wanted to run a REALLY expensive test on the stability of the steam content provider servers.

Bandwidth = $$$$

that didnt stop them from uploading cs:cz on my machine without me buying it yet.

 

[Sushi]

I'm about to send an E-Mail off to Doug Lombardi, *hopefully* I will get a response soon, and this argument can be settled.

 

[Napalm]

My bad must have misinterpreted what you were saying eQUIV...

 

[czrsink]

Well I just downloaded CS:Source - a window came up when I relaunched Steam telling me CS:Source was available for pre-load - as long as I either had CS:CZ, or an ATi voucher.

I click the link to download it, there was a slight pause, then a new window came up - it had obviously checked my CD-KEY and it said,

"CS:Source is available for you to pre-load. Do you want to start the pre-load" or words to that effect.

Valve may implement the same thing for HL2. Otheriwse, people will probably get an option to 'buy' the pre-load, by giving the credit card details. This is just a guess though, but I don't think Valve will let everyone download the pre-load for free, it doesn't make commercial sense to them?

 

[maximus0402]

I dont understand...

Ok either most of you are incredible smart or incredibly stupid. Your incredibly smart because you may know somthing I dont know about pre-loads, but I am guessing that most of you are letting your obsession with this game (I am obsessed too) get in the way to LOGICAL FACTS OF TRANSACTIONS. If you don't not buy this game, which there is no option on steam YET, then the only way to have get it is through the ATI voucher for a PRELOAD. Why cant people understand this?? Why the hell do you think valve would ever give some of the game to EVERYONE when some people may buy or may not and if they do buy it, it may be the retail version which will already have that data on CD. If they preload this game to everyone for the heck of it, then thats valves choice and a dumb one at that, but I am guessing they are not going to do this because they are smart professional people who know how to sell a game. Most of you in this thread seem to think along the lines of "X company is going to be selling a game" but wither your going to buy it or not, lets give a portion to EVERYONE. THat is just ridiculous. Just because they did not mention ATI users only in the message doesnt mean anything. I cant believe this is even being debated. I am sure when gabe said that about the HL2 pre-load he would assume that everyone has the sense to figure it out on there own, but no everyone has to be spoon fed the exact information or their lost. GIVE ME A BREAK, how dumb can one get. I'm sorry to rant like this but this is pathetic. IF you did not buy the game then you dont get it, its as simple as that.

 

[czrsink]

That's essentially what I was getting at. However, I still think Valve mayoffer the HL2 preload for PAYING customers ie, they pay their $49.99 and they get the preload, like they did with CS:CZ.

 

[brightgreen]

True (maximus), it will only be available to those who have already purchased the game in some form or another.

and like I said before ...

Who would buy this thing without any idea on when it will be activated/released?
Who would give out their credit card information out to Valve, and have to wait an unknown amount of time to get what they bought?

A release announcement must be soon

 

[Sushi]

A release announcement must be soon

Agreed. It's closing in on September, and right now the game appears to be very close to being gold-worthy, based on all the info currently available. I sense a gold announcement in the next 3 weeks.

 

[maximus0402]

That's essentially what I was getting at. However, I still think Valve mayoffer the HL2 preload for PAYING customers ie, they pay their $49.99 and they get the preload, like they did with CS:CZ.

True (maximus), it will only be available to those who have already purchased the game in some form or another.

and like I said before ...

Who would buy this thing without any idea on when it will be activated/released?
Who would give out their credit card information out to Valve, and have to wait an unknown amount of time to get what they bought?

A release announcement must be soon

Thank you both for understanding, I thought I may have been to harsh, but common sense is all that is needed to understand the situation, but some people don't have it I guess.

CZRSINK,

Like I said some people may be "incredibly smart and know somthing I don't on the preloads" and I did not think about an offer being made right there and then for people nor did I know they did that with CS:CZ, but it makes sense. But your both right into the inquery on how they will handle charging someone for the pre-load or NOT charging and having it be sort of a Pre-order confirmation and charge it when it is released. If they were smart they would set up a contractual agreement with the person and not let them cancel the pre-order like other retailers do, because if someone is going to pre-order it, preloaded it, then cancel when they obviously wanted the game, then that is just wrong.

 

[Conkorg]

ATI people get it first.

BULLSHIT.

Half life 2 Comes for Steam, for retail AT THE SAME FUKING DAY EVERYONE WILL GET IT AT SAME TIME. People who have ATI Voucher will just Half Life 2 FOR FREE.

 

[slicktick]

Everyone could pre-load CZ even if you didnt buy it. I pre-loaded it and then after it released and I didnt pay for it steam deleted it. I would assume it is the same way for HL2. I would also assume that you could pre-load HL2 and when you bought it in the store just enter the key and it would unlock. That is the way i understand it atleast. It works this way for other valve products.

 

[JPack]

Just wondering, how big was the CS: CZ preload?

 

[Slimeball]

I don't see why its such a big deal...why are the people that don't have an ATI voucher fretting over not being able to preload it...you won't be able to play it anyway unless you buy it...

 

[Napalm]

Oh well...I give up arguing...I guess we will see in a few hours....besides that any images or sounds will get put online anyway if they can be extracted.

 

[Mountain Man]

I don't see why its such a big deal...why are the people that don't have an ATI voucher fretting over not being able to preload it...you won't be able to play it anyway unless you buy it...

It's my understanding that everybody will be allowed to preload Half-Life 2. Then on release day, you will have several ways to activate it: purchase through Steam, ATi voucher code, or entering the CD-key from a boxed copy.

As for why folks want to preload it, we've been waiting for a year and a half for this game. We're just excited.

 

[brokenjago]

If they preloaded CS:CZ to everyone, even without their permission, why wouldn't they give HL2 to everyone?