It seems like the real problem was burnout among the rank-and-file, not Gabe Newell's perfectionism. The staff seems to have had more fun with a goofy new IP like Left 4 Dead, versus a serious plot like HL2 where any perceived narrative misstep would be severely criticized.
If they shoved the episode through and lost a lot of staff, then that would be a Phyrric victory. Contrary to some opinions here, Valve did not owe a single thing to HL fans, and they had no obligation to finish the story.
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It seems like the real problem was burnout among the rank-and-file, not Gabe Newell's perfectionism. The staff seems to have had more fun with a goofy new IP like Left 4 Dead, versus a serious plot like HL2 where any perceived narrative misstep would be severely criticized.
If they shoved the episode through and lost a lot of staff, then that would be a Phyrric victory. Contrary to some opinions here, Valve did not owe a single thing to HL fans, and they had no obligation to finish the story.