Gabe Speaks about L4D 2 and other projects

[Blink]

It seems G4tv managed to grab Gabe Newell for some interesting questions about L4D 2 and Valve in general. I think this part will calm most people:

G4: You guys are known for episodic content and a lot DLC and things like that. Why not just put some of these things in DLC instead?

Newell: Well we’re going to continue to do DLC for Left 4 Dead. That hasn’t stopped at all. We’re continuing to do updates for Left 4 Dead even after Left 4 Dead 2 ships. So, that hasn’t changed.

Unless I'm missing something obvious, why not just tell us that the day L4D 2 was announced? They were aware of the backlash that was likely to erupt amongst the community. Very odd.

Read the full interview for more.

[dissonance]

Valve = enigma. They have something strange planned.

Also, I'd like to reiterate my prediction for HL3 - OpenGL. Just wait for it; I'll be right.

[Mr. Happy]

So, once we have that ability, then we can start giving you the ability to trade those items and then maybe craft those items or whatever and take it in that direction.

So, once we have that ability, then we can start giving you the ability to trade those items and then maybe craft those items or whatever and take it in that direction.

craft those items

WE GONNA BE CRAFTIN ITEMS!!!!!!!

[Psy]

Also, I'd like to reiterate my prediction for HL3 - OpenGL. Just wait for it; I'll be right.

In a perfect world; yes!

[Mr. Happy]

Buuut sgi has completely failed at keeping opengl up to snuff as I recall.

[vcool]

G4: Do you think we’ll find out new details about Episode 3 by the end of the year?

Newell: Just so you know, the thing to me, that feels right, is the rhythm that Robin and his team are operating with. It’s like watching the reaction of that community, watching their ability to respond, looking at the quality of the work they’re getting with the length of those development cycles. They’re having a great time. And I think it shows on the other side, right? I mean, they were just giggling so hard when they were changing the buttons in the movies to say “leak video.” Do you remember the big screen with all the buttons? And they were like we have to put “leaks video” into that thing before we release it. They were just like cackling away. What should have been like, pretty demoralizing and stressful was for them, “Oh, this is no big deal.” So, yeah, people get the idea.

To me it was identical to:

G4: Do you think we’ll find out new details about Episode 3 by the end of the year?

Newell: I like pie.

The answer has barely any connection to the question. It seems hinting at the fact that Robin and co are fast workers and will get something out by the end of the year. EDIT: maybe the multiple reference of "leak videos" means that something will "leak" about Ep3?

Also, they can't talk about Ep3? Is that because it's superawesome or because they haven't done shit?

[Jasard]

I think the way they are keeping it entirely secret suggests theres certainly something big planned. Lets hope so.

[Jangalomph]

Doug Lombardi: We’re not talking about Episode 3 publicly. (smiles) <---- He is planning big stuffz.

Newell: Oh well, I guess I’m not talking about Episode 3 publicly either. (laughs) So..what’s your question? Yes, we have a lot of stuff that’s going on. We have Steam. Steam’s a lot of work. We have these movie things that we make, they take a lot of work.

[Jasard]

Seeing as hes the marketing / PR dude I'd imagine hes lining up a hefty marketing campaign and doesnt want it ruined by the team giving anything away.

[no00dylan]

In my honest opinion, at first glance of the interview, my first impression on ep3 was "They haven't done shit." but now I'm thinking maybe they're planning something big... we can only hope so.

[Jasard]

Im pretty sure they said ages ago they were working on it. But they arnt your typical developer, they develop what they enjoy doing and I believe they said they wanted a break from the series before they burn out. Thats why the bashing annoys me, they should be given more credit for how they have pushed gaming over the ten or so years considering they are still a small company. People look at L4D2 as though they are "doing an EA" and starting to just churn games out. Anyone who reads their interviews will realise they basically got carried away because they were having so much fun developing it.

I dont have an Xbox so I didnt realise Valve couldnt distribute big content updates on it in one go. Blame Microsoft, its easier that way .

[stoopdapoop]

wellllllllllllllllllllll. About the article, one of the first things they said after they announced l4d2 was that they were going to continue to update l4d, I think everyone just forgot.

And they've been working on episode 3 for a longgg timeee.

I remember in the commentary they were talking about how the magnusson (sp?) device was being playtested for episode 3, but it was ready now, so they just added it in.

[Mr. Happy]

I remember them saying that the EP1 team went to work on EP3 as soon as EP1 was released. Which means it's had the longest development cycle. Which means I'm sooo excited. I'm wondering who the team leader on it is, the last answer could actually mean that Robin Walker is leading EP3 as well (he lead EP1) and while I'm 100000% addicted to TF2, EP1 was not quite as good as EP2 I think (though that is probably intentionalish).

But guuuuys, we gonna be craftin items....

[vcool]

I think I missed this, crafting items for what game? L4D? TF2?

TF2 custom made weapons for the muthafucking win. And you could trade them as well.

If you had like 3 axtinguishers, you could use them to attach an axe to the revolver. But that means it's overpowered. So ain't gonna happen.

As for duplicate things - sure you can trade them, but why the hell would you trade your 4th axtinguisher for a fifth flare gun? Most of the people have duplicates of all the unlocks, so why would they trade if they have everything?

And yes I didn't find anyting yet.

[Psy]

I still think the unlock system is awful. There simply isn't enough weapons to justify a random drop system.