Half-Life, a game that redefined the first-person shooter genre, had a near-death experience early in its life.  Before achieving global recognition and influencing countless games, its publisher, Sierra, almost pulled its marketing support, potentially dooming it to obscurity.

The game's innovative approach to storytelling, seamlessly blending narrative with gameplay, set it apart from its contemporaries.  Its combination of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving resonated with players, but its initial success wasn't enough to convince Sierra of its long-term potential.

According to former Valve CMO Monica Harrington, Sierra was on the verge of diverting marketing funds away from Half-Life to focus on other titles. This decision came just as the game was gaining positive momentum, leaving Harrington stunned.

During a Game Developers Conference panel, Harrington recounted the moment she learned of Sierra's plans, describing it as a slap in the face.  She had anticipated congratulations and discussions of a Game of the Year edition relaunch, not abandonment.

Harrington revealed how she confronted Sierra, threatening to expose their decision to the gaming industry if they pulled Half-Life's funding.  This bold move proved successful, as Sierra reversed course and eventually greenlit the GOTY edition, which propelled Half-Life to even greater heights.

This near-miss highlights the crucial role marketing plays in a game's success, even for groundbreaking titles like Half-Life. Had Sierra followed through with their initial plan, the gaming landscape could look drastically different today.

The original Half-Life received a major update in 2023, celebrating its 25th anniversary with new features, bug fixes, and restored content, cementing its legacy among fans.

While the original game continues to be cherished,  the gaming community eagerly awaits news of a potential Half-Life 3,  with rumors suggesting an announcement could arrive in the near future.