Valve Drops Half-Life 2: Black Box News

Valve Software has confirmed that it's decided to drop Half-Life 2: Black Box, the upcoming expansion to the first-person shooter set to feature Episode Two, Portal, and Team Fortress 2. The decision now means that PC gamers wanting to purchase the titles will now have to pay an extra $10 in the US to buy the Orange Box - which comes with the original Half-Life 2 and Episode One.

Speaking with US-based IGN, Valve representatives said: "We're going to have one package, The Orange Box, available on the PC (US$49.99) as well as the 360 and PS3 (US$ 59.99). In addition to the three new products -- Portal, Team Fortress 2, and Half-Life: Episode Two -- The Orange Box will also contain the full version of Half-Life 2 and Half-Life 2: Episode One."

Valve continued: "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. 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."

News of Valve's decision is sure to upset a mass of Half-Life 2 fans who have already bought both the original game and the first episode in its expansion - but at least if you're a friend of an upset Half-Life 2 fan you'll be able to play the 2004 classic.