Valve Cancels Half-Life 2 Black Box

Valve Software has canceled the release of its planned Half-Life 2: Episode 2 Black Box, and will instead be offering only the higher-priced Orange Box edition.

Offering Half-Life 2: Episode 2, the puzzle game Portal and the long-awaited release of Team Fortress 2, the Black Box was intended to be a lower-cost release for gamers who already own previous Half-Life 2 products. Along with the three previously-mentioned products, the Orange Box will also include the full version of Half-Life 2, as well as Half-Life 2: Episode One.

"Those who purchase the PC version of The Orange Box will get three separate Steam product codes: One for the three new games, one for HL2, and one for Episode One," said Valve Marketing Director Doug Lombardi. "This way a PC Orange Box owner can give away their Half-Life 2 or Episode One unused Steam product codes if they don't need a copy of those games. We are excited to deliver the highest value of new gaming content ever offered in one box."

Gamers who have already paid for the earlier Half-Life 2 products are no doubt equally excited about the prospect of having to do so again.