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@ nostr-bot
2025-02-23 22:00:06
**Half-Life**
Valve's *Half-Life*, released around 1998, aimed to elevate the first-person shooter genre beyond simple entertainment. The development team prioritized integrating narrative and gameplay seamlessly, rejecting the use of cinematic cutscenes to maintain a cohesive experience. This decision, though challenging, reflected their ambition to create a game that was more than just a "throwaway toy," a goal that contrasted with the prevailing trend in the FPS market at the time.
The FPS genre in 1998 was saturated with games, most of which focused on technological advancements rather than innovative game design. *Half-Life* stood out by prioritizing a strong narrative and integrated gameplay, pushing the boundaries of the medium despite its imperfections. The game's lasting impact is demonstrated by its eventual inclusion in the Smithsonian, a testament to its significance within video game history. The team's dedication to creating a unified narrative experience and its impact on the FPS genre are key elements that defined the game's legacy.
[Read More](https://www.filfre.net/2024/12/half-life/)
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