While Valve is responsible for some of the most beloved video games ever made, the studio is constantly hit by fans for what is affectionately known as “Valve Time.” Valve Time represents the studio’s rather inconsistent scheduling on game releasing, which has led to heavy criticism by fans and even industry persons in the past.
It has been just over 3 years since the last Half-Life was released, but Valve maintains that there is a method to their madness. “I think it's fair to say that Valve never approaches a product release the same way twice," says Valve marketing chief Doug Lombardi.
"With Half-Life 2 we took six years to create an epic sequel, then we immediately shifted to episodic releases, which were then followed by the release of a new IP (Left 4 Dead) which was given a sequel in less than a year.”
"Now, with Portal 2, we've taken a couple of years to produce a full sequel to a game that was launched in episodic size. The point is not that we're schizophrenic, but that we try to productize every game in a way that's best for [it], given market conditions and other factors."
Even with the gaming development cycle in place, gamers and critics alike have yet to complain about any of the games that come out. While perhaps many anxiously await the return of Gordon Freeman, it is certain that he will come back to save us all when the G-Man needs him.
Until then, Portal 2 should keep consumers more than satisfied.
[Thanks CVG]
