The Half-Life series is one of those franchises that has gone on to achieve cult-like status. There are so many die-hards that got into video games in the first place because of this series. The first two games really took the fist-person shooter genre by storm, and naturally, many have waited for a follow-up.
We’re finally getting one in Half-Life: Alyx, an immersive VR experience that is set between Half-Life and Half-Life 2. Sure, it’s not a full-fledged first-person shooter experience, but the community will take it. What’s interesting to note about this VR game is its release date.
It’s coming out a month before the release of the Cyberpunk 2077 by CD Projekt Red. People have naturally wondered about CD Projekt’s apprehension about the return of such a beloved series so close to their official release date.
On paper, you would think that Half-Life: Alyx would take away some of Cyberpunk 2077’s hype and shine, but CD Project doesn’t seem to think so. Speaking on this matter just recently was the vice president of business development, Michal Nowakowski.
His main sentiments revolved around Half-Life: Alyx being a VR title, which is a very niche segment of gaming. He’s not wrong. There aren’t as many VR gamers as there are console and PC gamers. There are a couple of barriers to entry as well.
For one, you would need a VR set to play this next chapter in the Half-Life series. These units aren’t cheap. Even if you already have a VR headset that’s compatible, there is only so much gaming you can do before you become fatigued from the whole immersive experience.
There will undoubtedly be die-hards flocking to Alyx when it releases, but that shouldn’t detract from the type of press and business Cyberpunk 2077 sees. It’s one of the most anticipated games of the last several years.
CD Projekt Red seems to have really poured their hearts and souls into this expansion RPG, and the fact that Half-Life: Alyx is releasing just a little bit earlier shouldn’t be a problem at all. There is so much potential with this game, from the various districts in Night City to the many ways you’ll be able to customize your created character.
Even the story seems particularly gripping, where you’ll have different endings to look forward to. CD Projekt seems to be sitting in the perfect position as they get ready for their April release next year.
