Valve releases 64-Bit versions of Half-Life 2 and Lost Coast

Thanks to
cowwithoutbrain
for the heads up!

Bellevue, WA. – December 22, 2005 – Valve, a leading entertainment and technology studio, unveiled a 64-bit version of its Source game engine technology today. The first 64-bit Valve games released will be native 64-bit versions of Half-Life 2 and Lost Coast, and have been developed to take advantage of AMD Athlon 64 FX processor-based systems - the ultimate 64-bit gaming platform for PC enthusiasts.

The 64-bit versions of these games are being offered to all Half-Life 2 owners via Steam, Valve's online platform for delivering games and digital content directly to users around the world.

"Bringing the Source technology to the AMD64 processor platform is an important step in the evolution of our game content and tools," said Gabe Newell, Valve's co-founder and president. "This investment in future processing will allow us, and third party developers working with Source, to push the boundaries of the gaming experience."

"AMD Athlon 64 FX processors are targeted for systems designed to provide the ultimate experience for a new generation of power users running demanding applications " said Bob Brewer, corporate vice president, Desktop Division, AMD's Microprocessor Solutions Sector. "Combining the performance of AMD64 processors with the 64-bit version of Valve's technology results in advanced and powerful games. This winning collaboration brings customers an amazing product based on the best of AMD64 technology and Valve's software development."

The AMD Athlon 64 FX processor is the first Windows®-compatible 64-bit PC processor designed specifically for PC enthusiasts. The AMD Athlon 64 FX processor helps enthusiasts immerse themselves in their digital world. They can play games at a level previously only reserved for the world of simulations, or create and manipulate digital media like a pro. The AMD Athlon 64 FX processor brings the next generation of digital media and games to life.

Half-Life 2 has been named Game of the Year by over 35 publications worldwide, and has sold over 4 million copies worldwide. Source, Valve's proprietary engine technology, provides technical advances in rendering, artificial intelligence, character animation, and networking.