HALF-LIFE 2 - FULL STEAM AHEAD

Newell confirms HL2 pre-load - full game now just weeks away?

14:05 Okay, this is the story we've all been waiting for: Valve's Gabe Newell has reportedly confirmed via a forum posting that Half-Life 2 will begin pre-loading through Valve's Steam service on August 17.
What does this mean? Well, it should mean that we're only weeks away from Half-Life 2 itself actually shipping. Here's what Gabe Newell had to say:

"Just got out of a review meeting. 8/11 the Cafe's turn on (today). 8/16 CZ/ATI users pre-load. 8/18 CZ/ATI turns on. 8/17 HL-2 pre-load starts (textures, audio and other stuff that doesn't change)."

Excitement! The HL2 pre-load begins on 17 of this very month, just six short days away, which should mean that Half-Life 2 will begin shipping shortly once the pre-load has been completed.

Newell also confirmed dates for Counter-Strike Source beta, with the Cyber Cafe program beginning today, followed by Counter-Strike Source ATI voucher holders on August 16, with turn on for those lucky few starting just one day later.

But the major story is all about that Half-Life 2 pre-load. With the date now seemingly fixed for August 17, it seems Half-Life 2 is now so close, we can almost smell it.

John Houlihan