NVIDIA's Half-Life 2 20th Anniversary Video, RTX Remix Update, and Custom RTX 4080 Giveaway

Valve's iconic Half-Life 2 was a game-changer when it launched in 2004 and is still revered today as one of the greatest games of all time. It’s also one of the most influential first-person shooters ever made, with a cinematic and epic campaign that still holds up in 2024

To celebrate the game’s 20th anniversary, NVIDIA has put together a very cool video (that you can watch above) that is a tribute to the game’s enduring legacy. The video features members from Orbifold Studios sharing their memories and thoughts on Valve’s brilliant Half-Life 2 while offering an updated look at the incredible Half-Life 2: RTX project.

For those who might not be aware, Half-Life 2: RTX is a mod that is essentially a full-blown remake of Valve’s classic shooter. Using NVIDIA’s powerful RTX Remix tools for modding, the Orbifold Studios team is transforming Half-Life 2 with cutting-edge path-traced lighting (aka fully ray-traced graphics), new characters, objects, environment models, and brand-new textures. 

It’s right up there with Capcom’s Resident Evil 4 as one of the most impressive visual makeovers we’ve seen. Still, it’s being developed by a relatively small team using the groundbreaking RTX Remix tools. There’s no word on a release date (we’re hoping it shows up sometime in 2025), but NVIDIA is giving away a one-of-a-kind Half-Life 2 GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER graphics card.

Although global, Aussies living in NSW, SA, ACT, and NT are not eligible to participate due to “current state regulations.” This means this competition is only open to PC gamers and Half-Life fans in VIC, TAS, and QLD. Head to the GeForce Half-Life 2 20th Anniversary post for details on how to enter.