Valve's Gabe Newell's quotes have been popping up all over the place for the last two days now, as the developer's head honcho illuminates their plans for three types of 2 product at launch (whenever that might be). The first edition will be the bog-standard singleplayer game - without mod playing capabilities or multiplayer, the second version will include these capabilities, and the third will include bonus materials such as mouse mats and T-shirts, or possibly new maps online.

A $9.99 per month subscription service utilising Valve's content delivery system is also on the cards, and this will basically offer Half-Life 2 gamers "the works", allowing purchasers to download all future add-on packs, maps and other enhancements as the team release them. Team Fortress 2 and the like would be included in this.

Of course, Valve's emphasis upon Steam as the cheapest and most efficient way to purchase and upgrade Half-Life 2 has done little to please publisher Sierra (AKA Vivendi), who've effectively been removed from the equation by making Steam the most cost-effective option worldwide. More as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge