I heard from a Stephen King reader that 'The Mist' (which is a short story in the anthology book "Skeleton Crew") was the main source behind the creation of Half-Life and all of its sequels (Portal included).

I read the book and saw the movie. They do have striking simularities. The book was published around 1988 I think.

Supposedly the developers from VALVE thought it would make a great game. They were right.

Has anyone else heard of this rumor?

Yep! They make mention of it in the "Half-Life 2: Raising the Bar" Book

http://store.valvesoftware.com/productshowcase/productshowcase_HL2Guide.html

I remember when it was first out; I thought twice about spending the money for it... but it was worth it... It's great inspiration.

You can find one maybe at http://www.amazon.com/Half-Life-2-Raising-David-Hodgson/dp/0761543643 -- but they are pricey.

Worth it though -- Filled with beautiful glossy images and info on the creation of the Half-Life Universe-- goes into details from concept to sketch from HL original to sequel and it's mods etc. Plus it's a nice hardcover

as for The Mist -- I haven't read the book but seen some of the movie-- =/

Have you noticed that the ant-lions type creatures in HL looked a lot like the off spring of the creature in Cloverfied. Which was produced by JJ Abrams who's a HL fan who produced and co-wrote / directed LOST which has strong references to Steven King Novels through out-- ! not to mention there is an easter egg in HL2:EP2 of LOST. --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx90B0C1QyY&feature=related

it's all connected.

I never read that book, I'll have to look it up.

Very good book. I still have mine I bought when HL2 came out. You'll be pretty hard pressed to find it anywhere anymore though.

jrlauer wrote:
I never read that book, I'll have to look it up.

I'll send it to you after Remmiz sends me his copy

bizob wrote:
I'll send it to you after Remmiz sends me his copy

Look forward to it.

Haha I don't know how well I trust you guys. You can come read it if you happen to be in the Milwaukee area anytime soon

Milwaukee? That sounds like Star Wars.

Oh no, it was the Wookie...

Anyway, I guess that's in the US&A? Too bad, I'm an European. Royal Houses FTW, especially if they go on holiday from tax incomes.

I really want to read Raising The Bar one day, only I don't think the local library has it. I mean, they dont even have Photoshop CS2 For Dummies, only CS3...

The Internet has everything.

I found a copy on e-bay... if you want to pay $85 plus shipping from the United Kindom.

And Amazon.com has 7 copies ranging from $82 to $133. What a deal.

I think I'll wait.