Valve Cover Story: Half-Life 2: Aftermath, Lost Coast, Gabe Newell, and More! Strategy Guide

It all started with a tram ride into unknown catastrophe. With the release of Half-Life in 1998, Valve put themselves on the map as the undisputed saviors of PC gaming. For 1UP's second-ever cover story, we team up with sister-magazine Computer Gaming World and go behind Valve's iron curtains to get an exclusive sneak peek at Half-Life 2: Aftermath, the latest chapter in their Half-Life saga.

But there's a reason why we're focusing on more than just Valve's games. In the wake of their original masterpiece, the company has essentially rewritten the rules of games development, ditching their long-time publisher and declaring themselves sovereigns of their own destiny. In our week-long cover story, we take a look at Valve in 2005, a company pushing the boundaries of the digital frontier.

So get out there and pick up the October issue of CGW for exclusive info on Aftermath and Lost Coast, then come home to 1UP every day this week for daily lovin' on all things Valve. Enjoy!

Che Chou, Managing Editor

More about the cover image

More about 1UP cover stories

1UP Cover Stories: Love 'Em or Hate 'Em? Let Us Know!