As most of you know, HL3 is pretty much the most popular "vaporware" game out there. Something always rumored and in development, but never heard again after a certain point.

What I don't understand is why Gabens refusal to expand on the halted development of this game, it would've smashed sales absolutely and be the shining example in the modern gaming scene.

It just doesn't make sense, you'd think a games firm would be smacking it's lip ready for another full plate of gamers wallets.

Is it because the hype train is dangerous? Does Gaben prefer steam sales more?

What are your thoughts!

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[–] thisisbutaname@discuss.tchncs.de 18 points 6 months ago (3 children)

The hype train is absolutely dangerous.

The anticipation for HL3 would be terribly high, and so would be the expectations of millions of lovers of the franchise, making sure anything other than a perfect game would be met with lots of negative reactions.

And it's not just about a single game either. A bad HL3 could end up tarnishing the legacy of the other titles, forever ruining what is now a beloved franchise. Remember what happened to Game of Thrones? Who would ever risk something like that happening? Or, speaking of games, look at how much goodwill Bethesda burned with the release of Starfield.

[–] Thorry84@feddit.nl 6 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Duke Nukem Forever was the victim of this (among other issues). Expectations were so high, by the time it finally released it couldn't do anything but be an absolute failure. It still sold well, because of the hype, but the game was total trash and ruined any chances of a new Duke Nukem for a long time. Part of it is also internal, the game gets delayed, people get hyped up and voice their expectations. The devs hear those expectations and see their game doesn't live up to it and delay the game to make it better. It's an endless race you can't ever win.

[–] DosDude@retrolemmy.com 5 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Duke nukem forever didn't tarnish the older games IMO. Because the games barely have any story to begin with, they are mostly ranked for their gameplay, which is still awesome to this day. At least for 2 and 3d.

Duke1 is nothing too special. But Duke1 wasn't even too special at time of release.

[–] Thorry84@feddit.nl 5 points 6 months ago

Agreed, but that's not how a studio looks at IP. Any IP is only as good as it's most recent content.