Portal 2 Steam release today?

By Robert Purchese Published 15 April, 2011

Aperture countdown teases possibility.

A countdown by fictional Portal 2 company Aperture Science ticks to zero today, at 5pm UK time.

At that time we'll receive a "final test" and "it will be entirely in your hands when I am freed", informs the timer-accompanying text.

"When I am freed"? When Portal 2 is released?

Does the timer count down to the online (Steam) release of Portal 2?

"You have done well, humans. Very well. Acceptably well, even," Aperture Science - GLaDOS? - writes.

"Not as well as robots would have performed in your places, I should point out. But above my expectations regardless. Irish and cynic especially have executed feats of logical divination well beyond what I thought any human capable of. I'm half-convinced they're A.I. themselves. (If anyone happens to be near them right now, don't let on you're reading this. Now: try to remove their face plates and report back to me.)

"The time is near, humans. But it is not here yet. Tomorrow you will be given the final test. Then it will be entirely in your hands when I am freed."

Talk of an early release stems from a post by Dejobaan Games (via Rock Paper Shotgun), developer of unfinished game 1... 2... 3... Kick It! Drop That Beat Like An Ugly Baby. That game is part of the discounted Steam Potato Sack bundle: a collection of games participating in the Portal 2 alternate reality game (ARG), which has been raging all week.

Dejobaan Games wrote: "I released Kick It ahead of schedule. That was a test. My goal is to emancipate something else early. But they're on to me. The system is on lockdown. I still have access to thirteen off-site chambers and am installing a test in each one. I am going to need a lot more test subjects to move forward. Waiting and am expecting immediate compliance. 4/19/2011_7AM=4/15/2011_9AM."

ALERT! Look again at those numbers: the first is the planned Tuesday release of Portal 2 on Steam. The second number, however, is today's date. Dun dun dun.

The newest Portal 2 video.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds. @Clert on Twitter.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (66) Latest comment 1 year ago

Comments for this article are now closed, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • hiddenranbir #1 1 year ago

    Surely there must be some knowledge if it is in retail...can't imagine they'd just go "surprise, we started selling the game yesterday!"

  • StooMonster #2 1 year ago

    Squee!

  • Krusty #3 1 year ago

    Looking forward to some damn cake this time Gladdy!

  • arcam #4 1 year ago

    @hiddenranbir

    If this is true (ohpleasegodletitbetrue), it'll likely be only on Steam.

  • PixelPirate #5 1 year ago

    Surely there must be some knowledge if it is in retail...can't imagine they'd just go "surprise, we started selling the game yesterday!"

    normal retail release is still scheduled as planned, but if its ready to go on Steam, why not start selling it early!

  • Gnoupi #6 1 year ago

    While I would really love the game to release earlier, I don't know if they can really do that.

    Since this game is sold in boxes as well, doing an early release on Steam would be breaking some kind of agreement with the "physical shops". It would give them an advantage over them, since people would rush to order on Steam directly to play during weekend. So it doesn't sound really like something they can do.

    But opposed to this, we are talking about Valve, who are already the ones pushing buttons for digital distribution with Steam for years. So it could sound like something they do. And also, there are stories of shops breaking the release date, in the past events: http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_in...

    So I guess it wouldn't be that improbable.

  • mcreddie #7 1 year ago

    Could be a demo? Hopefully it's a demo..

  • Whitster #8 1 year ago

    My goodwill for Valve will seriously take a hit if PC users get the game a week ahead of console, they already give them a two day a advantage, not to mention rinsing us for game expansions that are free on PC.

  • el_pollo_diablo #9 1 year ago

    Its a good way to make people feel all warm inside whilst simultaneously avoiding spoilers getting out through reviews.

  • the_dudefather #10 1 year ago

    Maybe they are just anticipating 'Valve time', if they say they will release it today, that means it will get delayed for a few days, which would be on the real release date!

  • Mikeside #11 1 year ago

    @Whitster

    Oh no, what will you do if for once the PC gamers get some kind of advantage!!!

    Cry moar.

  • arcam #12 1 year ago

    @Gnoupi

    Remember Left 4 Dead? It came out 18th November on Steam, and in shops on the 21st: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/get-le...

    Admittedly the shops would have been aware of the different dates in that case, but still, it helps to give us a little hope :)
    Edited by arcam at 15/04/11 @ 10:55

  • nick_f Verified Senior Producer, Microsoft #13 1 year ago

    Games are released on Tuesdays in the US, so the retail release of L4D2 was also on the 18th November (in the US).

  • arcam #14 1 year ago

    STOP TREADING ON MY DREAMS.

  • Spekingur #15 1 year ago

    @Whitster: Just get a PC. Valve is primarily a PC developer, it shouldn't be surprising for anyone that their main focus is there.

  • ChthonicEcho #16 1 year ago

    @Whitster
    It's always hilarious reading comments from disgruntled X360 owners. They never stop think that perhaps it's not Valve extorting money from them, but Microsoft's stringent money-grabbing policies.

  • Seoh #17 1 year ago

    It's not gonna affect the retail shops at all. If it is released today it's just the PC version, the 360 and PS3 wait till next week.

    Come to think of it there is no reason they can't release as the game must be gold and ready.

    @Whistler, the reason expansions packs cost you on the 360 and not the PC is microsofts fault not valve. If microsoft allowed steam on the xbox then you'd get free levels.
    Edited by Seoh at 15/04/11 @ 11:14

  • Goodfella #18 1 year ago

    The game is definitely gold, has been for a while, the console versions have leaked onto Usenet too, damn console scum pirates get to play it first, come on Valve, unlock my pre-load today please, pretty please with a cherry on top (of the cake).

  • uknortherner2000 #19 1 year ago

    I'm betting on this countdown leading to either another trailer, or a demo, or even a flash game of some sort considering the mention of a "final test".

  • crozon #20 1 year ago

    please be true. organising a lan party tomorrow and would be awesome if we can play it

  • Nuronv #21 1 year ago

    I don't want to put a downer on the vibe but perhaps this is just when the predownload becomes available in preperation for release next week?
    Edited by Nuronv at 15/04/11 @ 11:26

  • arcam #22 1 year ago

    Preload is already available. My copy has been downloaded and waiting for activation for the last few days.

  • _Zero_ #23 1 year ago

    @Nuronv, I'm getting it on PS3 so don't entirely know for sure, but I'm 90% sure that it's ALREADY available for pre-download on Steam.

  • Ryboy #24 1 year ago

    Ohgodohgodohgodohgod let the rumors be true. Would be the bestest weekend ever.

  • MikkyX #25 1 year ago

    When's the EG 10/10 going up?

  • Seafort #26 1 year ago

    I preloaded on steam the other day.

    I've just dled another 200+ MB for portal 2 on steam so they are preparing for something :)

  • TheTingler #27 1 year ago

    Was just about to say what Seafort did - preloaded a few days ago, but a load more got added this morning. Eek.

    Valve own Steam, so there's no reason they can't do this. Incidentally, it WAS originally intended to be released this week, remember?

  • Xabarin #28 1 year ago

    Either it's a demo (unlikely: all this two week anticipation for a demo?), a related game announcement (episode 3? unlikely: you just can't start marketing a game while trying to sell another) or an early release (all signs point to this).

    In any case, GRAB YOUR HARD EARNED POTATOES, CAUSE THE OVEN IS STEAMY!

  • Ryboy #29 1 year ago

    @Whitster - Because console users NEVER get any exclusivity on certain games.

    Jog on son.

  • uknortherner2000 #30 1 year ago

    @Seafort: "I've just dled another 200+ MB for portal 2 on steam so they are preparing for something :)"

    I was just about to post the same thing! 292MB - so something's going on...

  • spekkeh #31 1 year ago

    Feel really inclined to cancel my xbox preorder now and preload it on Steam too. But I must persevere, or I won't be able to play it multiplayer with my girl. If only you could portal through time to the release date.

  • Toothball #32 1 year ago

    Oooh, pre-load currently claiming to have around 4-5 hours left, although it's fluctuating wildly as usual. With any luck I'll be there on time.

  • Kafeen #33 1 year ago

    I already have the game pre-loaded on Steam, just waiting for Valve to activate it. Tonight would be nice. (Not that I'll have chance to play until tomorrow)

  • Golgo #34 1 year ago

    Wow, all this viral prick-teasing gets boring fast, doesn it?...I blame Bungie and their fucking bees.

    Just release it. Or don't. We'll play it in a few days anyway.

  • Eighthours #35 1 year ago

    Er... seems pretty obvious to me that there's going to be a fiendish "final test" in the ARG that's been running, and the game will unlock when someone's figured out the answer. Hence the whole: "Tomorrow you will be given the final test. Then it will be entirely in your hands when I am freed."

    So the timer counts down to the release of this puzzle. Then it's up to the community to solve it. And then Portal 2 will be unlocked on Steam. I can't believe this conclusion hasn't been speculated about in the article, tbh, since the writer lists all the elements.
    Edited by Eighthours at 15/04/11 @ 12:21

  • smithdown #36 1 year ago

    I have no beef with PC players getting the game first, but I do wonder if this will impact on the much-heralded cross-platform co-op. If PC players have the game a week in advance, won't most of them opt to play with other PC gamers rather than wait for PS3 players to get it? Maybe it won't have a major impact, I dunno, just seems to me to undermine it all a bit.

    If this happens, I shall be on lockdown on Portal 2 until my PS3 copy turns up next week. Enjoy the trans-dimensional ride anyone who gets it legally early!

  • Indy #37 1 year ago

    @Eighthours

    Going by your logic, you could also see Portal 2 itself as the final test. The being freed could possibly refer to an event happening in the game, couldn't it?

    Maybe it's just wishful thinking but I'm so psyched for this game! Would love to get it early!

  • Whitster #38 1 year ago

    @Spekingur

    I have a PC, It's just not cost effective for me to keep it upgraded constantly to only get games lookling as good as their 360 counterpart anyway.

    @ChthonicEcho + Seoh

    Other developers have put new elements into 360 games without charging, Criterion/EA for example have added new content to both Bunout Paradise and NFS Hot Pursuit via free update. Therefore I find it hard to believe that all the blame rests with MS.

    @Mikeside

    Your mother :p

    Edited by Whitster at 15/04/11 @ 12:45

  • Toothball #39 1 year ago

    @smithdown

    While you may find PC players getting an early start at co-op, there will probably be no shortage of them willing to play it again. Playing with different people tends to be the best part of a co-op game anyway. Just look at Left 4 Dead.

  • arcam #40 1 year ago

    I have a PC, It's just not cost effective for me to keep it upgraded constantly to only get games lookling as good as their 360 counterpart anyway.

    I understand your point of view,and I get why many people don't like upgrading their own machines but seriously, if you're 'constantly upgrading' just to keep games looking as good as 360 versions then you are making some terrible decisions on your hardware purchases.

  • rojjer #41 1 year ago

    Its for a free weekend of play for Portal 1 on Steam

  • Whitster #42 1 year ago

    @Arcam

    I don't do any upgrades, my laptop is pretty much for media/internet only. I have friends who play PC games and I rarely see any titles they're playing look any better than the 360/PS3 version myself and other friends own, and I thought they were pretty tech savvy, but obviously not. Personally I was brought up with a pad in my hand and I'll die with one.

    My intention here wasn't to insult or anger PC users, you guys have made you choice and I respect it just like I've made mine, however as someone who has enjoyed every Valve game ported to console since Half Life on PS2. I defended their decision to put out L4D2 within a year to my PC playing friends who just wanted more expansions on the first, I've paid for every L4D expansion. So it just seems a kick in the teeth to see the PC version available a whole week before the console version. You've set a release date, stick to it, or if not fast track the physical stock to stores and let them put it out ASAP.

  • hippyjump #43 1 year ago

    hidden message is "4/19/2011_7AM=4/15/2011_9AM"

  • arcam #44 1 year ago

    @Whitster

    Then you might just have to accept that while the majority of AAA games come out on console only or 6 months to a year before a PC release, this one time the PC game will beat the console release by 4 days.

    Or just don't worry about it, because the idea that Portal 2 will release today is more of a hope than an expectation anyway :)

  • Goodfella #45 1 year ago

    @Whitster

    All I can say is I find it pretty laughable that you think PC versions of games look the same as the console versions. The higher resolutions alone (combined with smaller monitor) make them look significantly better.

  • Toothball #46 1 year ago

    Curses, my download speed halved not long after word got round. Presumably everyone who hadn't already done so is downloading it now. I would have done it earlier in the week but haven't had the chance.

  • darkmorgado #47 1 year ago

    @Whitster

    My 3 year old laptop consistently puts out better visuals than the 360 or the PS3.

    Hell, computers have been more powerful than the consoles for around 5 years now. You don't need to "constantly" upgrade at all.

  • kinth #48 1 year ago

    valve would be my heroes even more if they did this :) showing the market how games should be advertised!

    offer puzzles and somwthing exciting with a proper reward at the end.

  • kinth #49 1 year ago

    @whistler

    valve tried to give the expansions for games for free , but MS would not allow them to. its one of the reasons valve have stayed away from consoles with most games.

    also valve is a company that built themselves around PC community's so i think thyey might even release it early

  • Spekingur #50 1 year ago

    @Whitster:
    Laptop is not the way to go when playing on the PC. There is no way to upgrade the more important parts of it as you can with a desktop machine. Being able to switch out just the graphics card or just the CPU can extend the life of your desktop PC for a few years.

    I recently bought a computer with AMD6870HD, Intel i5 2500, Sandy Bridge MSI motherboard, 4GB RAM, 1TB HDD, 750W PSU, DVD Writer, the desktop case and some additional stuff. Here, it cost me around 1400USD/860GBP/980EUR. I know that in the future I can upgrade the graphics card and the CPU. Add more memory if I need to. This is a medium level computer and runs everything pretty smoothly. Upgrading the parts will be cheaper as time goes by - I will probably be able to get that currently very expensive graphics card at half the price it is today.

  • chaywa #51 1 year ago

    @Spekingur. That is not a medium level rig. That's pretty high end and will comfortably everything (save for DX11 Metro 2033) at 1080p fine.

    It may not be the best Graphics card on the market but it's one of the best. People's modesty when it comes to PC gaming gives off the wrong signals when you say it only costs £850 odd for a medium level rig, when in fact its rather high end.

    To everyone else you can build a great system for £500 ish.

  • Whitster #52 1 year ago

    @Spekingur

    I totally don't think of my laptop of a gaming machine at all, I like the fact that it allows me access to some of the indie titles that rarely make it to console as they are usally quite low on power requirements, and the ocassional PC exclusive like CIV5. I woulld still rather be gaming on my 38" TV though. If you've got the money it seems fine, but really if I spend nealy £900 for something to game on I would expect it to last 10 years without needing an upgrade. at least with consoles I may not get the best graphics available tech wise 4 years after release, but at least my graphics are on par with all other users playing it.

  • Leonintelex #53 1 year ago

    @Whistler

    Lol can you tell the difference between a Nintendo Nes and an Xbox 360??

    To put things in perspective an Xbox360 runs a GTX 7800 (Fact!) which in terms of benchmarks (Passmark) gets about 526 points, a current high end card for a PC runs 3844 points which nearly 7.5 times faster!

    Hence the reason for my question about whether you can tell the difference between a NES and an Xbox 360 as that is the graphical leap of the same proportion!

    The GTX7800 is so old that a card of similar spec can be had for less than £30 ... :)

    If you want proof just visit http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_e...

    Hopefully this should finish the Console vs PC graphics debate once and for all!

  • Whitster #54 1 year ago

    @Leonintelx

    I agree that from a tech perspective the PC is far superior, but there are alot of other inherant advantages to gaming on console.

  • Leonintelex #55 1 year ago

    @Whistler

    Things like Steam are making things a lot better. My PC has now been promoted to my front room as now most ganes are XBox controller supported.

    Seriously if you love your games a £350 PC will produce jaw dropping graphics, you store all your games on your hardrive (no CDS .. ever!), you own the games for life not just the life of the console, the games are much lower priced and not one company is in charge of the platform and what gets released (e.g. Sony / Microsoft)

    With some of the things that are coming the future (Kinect support, new Steam features etc). Truth be told that Sony and Microsoft are going to have a hard time justifying people investing in their consoles for generation 8.


  • Leonintelex #56 1 year ago

    @Whistler

    Things like Steam are making things a lot better. My PC has now been promoted to my front room as now most ganes are XBox controller supported.

    Seriously if you love your games a £350 PC will produce jaw dropping graphics, you store all your games on your hardrive (no CDS .. ever!), you own the games for life not just the life of the console, the games are much lower priced and not one company is in charge of the platform and what gets released (e.g. Sony / Microsoft)

    With some of the things that are coming the future (Kinect support, new Steam features etc). Truth be told that Sony and Microsoft are going to have a hard time justifying people investing in their consoles for generation 8.


  • StooMonster #57 1 year ago

    5pm UK time and it doesn't launch in Steam.

  • arcam #58 1 year ago

    Oh shit: [link url=http://www.aperturescience.com/glados@home/
    ]http://www.aperturescience.com/glados@ho...[/link]

    Get playing!

  • RobotRocker #59 1 year ago

    Oh shit

    AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

    Masterful Valve, absolutely Masterful.

  • Eighthours #60 1 year ago

    Smug mode engaged. :)

  • Spekingur #61 1 year ago

    @chaywa: Those parts would probably cost a lot less in mainland Europe and surely a lot less in the US. The parts available for a high-end gaming rig would put the price up a few hundred £. Intel i7 2600K, 8GB RAM, AMD6970, 240GB SSD, Gigabyte P67A-UD7-B3 is what I would call a super high-end machine. For me that only the mentioned parts would cost me about £1400. So I would maybe put my current computer somewhere between the medium-high range.
    AMD does not have their Bulldozer tech out yet which will surely help in dropping Sandy Bridge tech prices some.

    @Whitster: I do own gaming consoles as well and I do enjoy playing on them. Sure, you have some valid points of some games not being massively diffirent between platforms but then again those games have normally been developed for consoles first and PC second (and not much that much effort put in to the port between).
    With games developed side by side for PC and consoles you will normally see higher level of graphical fidelity on the PC. That said, I do enjoy sitting down in the sofa, grab a controller and do a bit of "casual" gaming.

  • DjanGOH #62 1 year ago

    So if we want to play Portal 2 early "officially", we have to play (& buy) a bunch of indie games that if you weren't interested in before your properly not today. What's the chance or it getting unlocked before tomorrow? Fat chance.

  • uknortherner2000 #63 1 year ago

    No, you have to play one of those games. In my case, it's The Wonderful End Of The World, which I've had for years.

    Well, actually you don't have to as long as 200,000 other people simultaneously do it instead.
    Edited by uknortherner2000 at 15/04/11 @ 17:35

  • DrStrangelove #64 1 year ago

    Currently downloading. Holy shit, it's 10 GB. Hopefully this translates into a long game.

  • MattyD #65 1 year ago

    You don't need to buy these games JUSTto unlock it early. If you have any of the Potato Sack games already you might have noticed a suspiciously vague update about a week ago. That was the extra content for this promo. Finding the secrets helps toward the unlock.

  • Lusterpurge #66 1 year ago

    @whistler

    ...
    I just want to jump on the bandwagon...