Half Life 2 Set to Boost Holiday Season Games Market

The announcement from games publisher Vivendi that the eagerly anticipated Half Life 2 will be released in November has provided a boost to entertainment retailers.

(PRWEB) October 22, 2004 -- The announcement from games publisher Vivendi that the eagerly anticipated Half Life 2 will be released in November has provided a boost to entertainment retailers.

The pre-holiday season market is always a busy time of the year for the games industry, but a big title release like this provides a welcome additional boost," says Jack Sanders of on-line retailer http://www.games-buyer.info

Half Life was one of the most successful games of all time, and the repeated delays to this long awaited sequel had left both players and entertainment stores alike wondering if it would be out in time for the holidays. With a release now finalised, everyone can breath a sigh of relief." he continues.

In a departure from standard games distribution, Half Life 2 will be available for direct download via the internet, as well as in more traditional boxed form. This method of buying software is prevalent in the business applications arena, but much less common in the home entertainment market. Whilst some retailers are understandably concerned that this direct-to-consumer route may dent their own sales, others are less worried. PC and console games are a very popular gift item. Shaving a few dollars off the price of the product may be attractive to some, but most will want to give -- and receive -- a fully boxed game," says Sanders. With more than eight million copies of the original Half Life having been sold, it seems retailers have plenty to be hopeful for in this next instalment.

For further information contact:

Jack Sanders
http://www.games-buyer.info
jack@games-buyer.info

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