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Black Mesa is a Source Engine remake of the original Half-life, which like everything related to Half-life feels like it’s taking forever to come out.

The first part launched in September 2012, and it looks like we might have a release date for the second episode: the Black Mesa website now links to an externally hosted countdown timer pointing to 10:47:00 on May 5.

Unfortunately there’s no time zone indicated, so just watch for 24 hours, I guess?

Just to refresh you, the first of the two combined fan projects that eventually became Black Mesa was announced in 2004. We’ve been waiting even longer for this remake than we have for Half-life 2: Episode 3.

In the developer’s defence they’re a team of volunteers, which cannot be said of Valve, and the tools they’re using have evolved over time – along with player expectations.

You can still download the original mod for free, if you fancy. Crowbar Collective had previously said they planned to update the mod as well, and that “shortly after the Steam release there will be a completely new free version of the game”. I couldn’t tell you what’s going on with that plan now, partially because their servers seem swamped so finding anything on the forums is a real pain.

I hope that everyone has something that inspires them as much as Half-Life inspired us. I hope that everyone embraces the setbacks and challenges that come, and I hope no one fears the long road in front of them.

Black Mesa 1.0 will launch Thursday March 5th on Steam.