Portal 2 Gets Release Date

AndrewGOO9 writes "After what has seemed like an eternity since Valve initially announced a sequel to their lauded puzzle title Portal, a release date has finally been attached to the game. Originally slated to be released before the end of the year in time for the holidays, Valve instead opted to delay the game, citing reasons such as, 'making games is hard' as well as continuing their tradition of releasing games when they're finished as opposed to rushing them out the door. Either way, mark your calendars for February 9th, 2011, and in the meantime, brush up on thinking with portals." There's some new gameplay footage available, and Valve announced that Stephen Merchant will be lending his voice to the game.

i'm looking...

[Anonymous Coward]

where's the walkthru to find the portal to february 9 2011?

Re:So..

[Dyinobal]

My thoughts exactly. Don't get me wrong portal rocks but I think we have all been very patient with episode 3. Even getting some more info on it or a trailer or something would be nice.

Re:So..

[mustPushCart]

I am thinking the reason for the delay is: 1. They want to make it longer than the first 2 episodes, because the last 2 were short. 2. They are innovating, episode 1 had the new HDR and animation and stuff, ep 2 had lots of open spaces and foliage, hopefully episode 3 will be something new too. 3. They are trying to decide which way to take the half life universe, setting up half life 3. Half life IS their flagship and what put them on the map.

Re:Wehn it comes to Valve these days

[Gordonjcp]

The problem is that they make a ton of money on Steam, so they don't have to care at all about their games business.

I don't know, I'd say that they make a ton of money on Steam, so they can afford to care *more* about their games business.

Think about it - you've got Steam, people are buying games, the money is rolling in... so you can pay the developers to finish the games properly. If the release date slips, no biggie (until you get to Duke Nukem Forever timescales). The money is still coming in, the bills are still being paid. You're not under undue pressure to start shifting units. Yes, it would be nice to catch the Christmas sales, but if it takes another three months to make a game that doesn't suck and make the customers hate you, I'd rather wait.

Re:So..

[eln]

They want to make it longer than the first 2 episodes, because the last 2 were short

That's all well and good, but the stated reason for releasing episodic content was so they could get shorter games out more frequently. Instead, we get shorter games that take forever to come out just like the longer games did. I get the feeling that Valve is fantastic at game development and unbelievably shitty at project management.

Re:Portal 2!

[Anonymous Coward]

That "free" stuff got me too. I downloaded it without charge, surcharge, tariff or tax. And you know why it was free?

Because now I can't wait to open my coffers for the next game. They have called this one a "full" game, and "the best game we have ever made". From the makers of TF2.

Open my coffers? Open my veins. DO WANT. (Damn you, free. That's the first taste, you clever bastards.)

(DO WANT)

Re:Portal 2 gets release date...

[Kireas]

That said, the developers have stated in no uncertain terms that they will not be dragging the cake joke back. They are fed up with it, and rather hope the internet is now too, at this point.
Hah! I pity them.