Comment by drannex
2 days ago
To be fair, without the HL3 memes, would Valve ever become as massive as they are now without them constantly teasing and playing into it?
(answer: probably, but I would like to believe that this is one of the greatest unintended marketing tactics of the 21st century).
Valve had near-total dominance over PC gaming distribution before HL3 even became a meme.
half life releases were tied to new platforms, such as HL2 and its physics engine, or HL Alex and VR kits.
it's like Nintendo having a Mario game for their new hardware, e.g. Mario 64, etc.
there weren't that many teases, nor is it great marketing; CS:GO competitive e-sports is better marketed and probably made Valve more money than any HL wink-wink-nudge-nudge ever would.