The REAL reason HL2 is delayed...

[Apoptosis]

Here is the truth folks:

Was the leak the main reason behind the game's delay?
"No, the fundamental reason was because we underestimated the amount of work left to do and how long it was going to take, especially when the team were so demoralised after the leak."
And what's still left to do on the game?
"Tuning, tuning and more tuning," comes Gabe's reply.

They made it sound like it was so close to being done, but it was not even close. I am sure ATI was in the dark on this issue at first. They had a lot of sales due to the HL2 coupon that we are all sitting on.

For further reading:

Ars Technica Article
Games Fusion Interview

[Sublime]

Was the leak the main reason behind the game's delay?
"No, the fundamental reason was because we underestimated the amount of work left to do and how long it was going to take, especially when the team were so demoralised after the leak."

Is it just me or isn't the team being "demoralized" due to the leak mean that the leak was the main reason once again. I'm so sick of hearing about the leak causing any of the delay. This is Valve here! A very capable company that should have no problem getting this title out.

I have no worries though as Frycry is game of the year thanks to Valve's blunder.

[Immortal]

its still possible to be released within the year, i estimate Q3 or Q4, intime for the shopping season! :D

[alister]

They made it sound like it was so close to being done, but it was not even close. I am sure ATI was in the dark on this issue at first. They had a lot of sales due to the HL2 coupon that we are all sitting on.

You have not sent in your coupon yet?

Alister

[Illuminati]

its still possible to be released within the year, i estimate Q3 or Q4, intime for the shopping season! :D

I think he was referring how this huge delay, and letting all the gamers down could eliminate the possibility of HL2 getting Game of the Year... And Far Cry would be a good runner-up... assuming we will start seeing FarCry Mods