CS: Source beta test to go live on August 10th
Gabe Newell discusses the forthcoming test and talks file size and launch dates. And don't forget to grab that CS: Source video if you haven't already.
Valve Software head honcho Gabe Newell has quietly responded to a forum post (traced through various Half-Life fan sites) inquiring after the size of the Counter-Strike: Source installer and a specific date for the commencement of the beta test.
"300MB the last time I checked," he told readers of the Half-Life Portal forums when asked about the file size, and apparently "August 10th is the day for [Condition Zero] owners." Newell also commented that the file would start pre-loading over Valve's Steam content delivery service from August 5th onward, just so you know which days not to kill the tray applet on start-up...
As previously reported, the Counter-Strike: Source beta test is open to Steam-using owners of Counter-Strike: Condition Zero and members of the "Valve Cyber Café Program" initially. CS: Source, if you've somehow missed out on it, is the classic multiplayer game reworked with the glorious visuals and realistic physics of Half-Life 2's Source Engine. It was unveiled at E3 - you can find the demo video on Eurofiles.
Interestingly, of course, August 10th happens to be right after the Stateside release of id Software's long-awaited Doom III. Gamers in the UK and Europe should see that on August 13th. A spoiler tactic, perhaps? Who knows? Perhaps we're just being cynical. Either way, August looks like a great month for FPS fans.