This article first appeared in PC Gamer magazine issue 387 in August 2023. Every month we run exclusive features exploring the world of PC gaming—from behind-the-scenes previews, to incredible community stories, to fascinating interviews, and more.
Half-Life 2 was a phenomenon, a game so good one of the few complaints levelled against it was that it didn't go on forever. "I want to bemoan the fact that it had to end at all," Rossignol wrote. As time regrettably stopped for Gordon atop City 17's Citadel, the question on everyone's lips was, "What's next?" Surely Valve wouldn't leave Alyx stranded beside an exploding portal. Surely Gordon wouldn't remain trapped in the G-Man's limbo. Valve had followed-up the most celebrated shooter of its day with something even better. Surely it would do it again.
