5 Stages of Waiting for Half Life 3
1. Optimism
At some point, after completing Episode 2 for the first time, whether it was at release or discovering it later on, there's a short time where the player is certain that the next installment will be announced soon. "Why wouldn't it be?" you say. "Valve has a decent series running, why take a break? They're certainly already working on it as we speak and are preparing to unveil it..."
2. Anger
Usually after a while, the cliffhanger from Episode 2 starts to cause an anxiety, which shifts to anger. The player gets angry that Valve would ignore their best series. At game conventions and shows, they see Half Life 3 go unmentioned, and shout to the heavens in anger, "WHY VALVE WHY??!"
3. Obsession
The player becomes obsessed with the past Half Life games and speculation about the next one. They begin to piece together the lore and make theories as to the nature of the game. Soon they're prowling gaming forums, bitterly mocking others ideas about the series and correcting them vehemently. They're convinced that somehow their obsession will make the game come sooner.
4. Neglect
Over time, the player becomes disillusioned and stoic towards the series. Perhaps another game comes to fill the void temporarily. They forget about the game and it's characters, though it holds a place in their heart. Occasionally they'll say to themselves that they need to play Half Life 2 again some time, but these plans rarely see fruition.
5. Hope
After many years of waiting, the player has lost all semblance of emotion towards Half life. Perhaps upon finally playing the games again, a hopefulness arises organically. A meditative sense of patience replaces the anger and annoyance. The player understands that the next game will come when it comes. It may not be soon, but it will certainly be great when it arrives.
1. Optimism
At some point, after completing Episode 2 for the first time, whether it was at release or discovering it later on, there's a short time where the player is certain that the next installment will be announced soon. "Why wouldn't it be?" you say. "Valve has a decent series running, why take a break? They're certainly already working on it as we speak and are preparing to unveil it..."
2. Anger
Usually after a while, the cliffhanger from Episode 2 starts to cause an anxiety, which shifts to anger. The player gets angry that Valve would ignore their best series. At game conventions and shows, they see Half Life 3 go unmentioned, and shout to the heavens in anger, "WHY VALVE WHY??!"
3. Obsession
The player becomes obsessed with the past Half Life games and speculation about the next one. They begin to piece together the lore and make theories as to the nature of the game. Soon they're prowling gaming forums, bitterly mocking others ideas about the series and correcting them vehemently. They're convinced that somehow their obsession will make the game come sooner.
4. Neglect
Over time, the player becomes disillusioned and stoic towards the series. Perhaps another game comes to fill the void temporarily. They forget about the game and it's characters, though it holds a place in their heart. Occasionally they'll say to themselves that they need to play Half Life 2 again some time, but these plans rarely see fruition.
5. Hope
After many years of waiting, the player has lost all semblance of emotion towards Half life. Perhaps upon finally playing the games again, a hopefulness arises organically. A meditative sense of patience replaces the anger and annoyance. The player understands that the next game will come when it comes. It may not be soon, but it will certainly be great when it arrives.
