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In a shocking revelation, a former Valve executive shared a moment when Half-Life‘s original publisher nearly abandoned the game, risking its future as merely a historical footnote. This pivotal moment occurred when marketing funds were almost withdrawn from the groundbreaking shooter.
During a panel at the Game Developer’s Conference, ex-Valve CMO Monica Harrington reflected on a time when the company, far from being a PC gaming titan, was a newcomer striving to launch its debut game about an alien-infested research facility, titled Half-Life.
“Christmas felt very subdued,” Harrington described of the period post-launch. “The team was both exhausted and anxious. Despite uncertain retail performance, online feedback was favorable. Then, in mid-January, Sierra‘s business team contacted us. We anticipated a progress meeting and discussions of revamping the game with GOTY messaging for new packaging relaunches.”
Yet, Harrington, alongside Valve co-founder Gabe Newell, was shocked to discover Sierra’s intention to cease all marketing for Half-Life to prioritize other titles. This strategy was a disaster for Valve, as they hadn’t recouped their investment and lacked alternative games. The game was at risk of fading into obscurity. Harrington felt her emotions oscillate between disbelief and urgency.
Faced with Sierra’s decision to forsake Half-Life, Harrington recounted feeling as though she was dealt a heavy blow. In a courageous shift, she informed Sierra that they wouldn’t just maintain marketing funds, but indeed relaunch Half-Life in a GOTY box. She warned, “If you don’t comply, we’ll tell the rapidly enamoring game development industry how misguided Sierra is.” Following the tense meeting, Harrington was left in limbo, unsure of Sierra’s reaction, but aware stakes were high.
Fortunately, Sierra reconsidered, agreeing to a GOTY edition relaunch. The result? Half-Life surged up the best-seller lists, achieving great acclaim. The company’s survival was secured, catalyzing Valve into a prominent developer known for producing successive hits like Half-Life 2, Team Fortress, and Portal. Eventually, Steam would dominate the PC gaming market.
To delve into this historic meeting further, Harrington shared an extensive account of the ordeal in a blog post last summer. Ultimately, it was Harrington’s audacity that preserved a legacy, averting a vastly different outcome for Valve.