These efforts were started due to a general disappointment in the simplicity of the Source engine port of Half-Life and the belief that the original game could be brought up to a higher standard than just a simple engine port.Įventually the two groups joined forces and announced a new name for the project in about mid 2005, Black Mesa: Source. At first the two groups were independent, announcing in September 2004 on the Leakfree forums and October 2004 with the Half-Life Source: Overhaul Project.

When and why did you decide to try remaking it yourself?īlack Mesa began originally as two separate collaborative efforts, made up of volunteers from the Half-Life community. Half-Life is regarded as a landmark game, and one that Valve themselves remade using Source. We spoke with Black Mesa lead designer Chris Horn to learn more about re-imagining the classic 1998 FPS. With critical acclaim and substantial sales, Black Mesa is a bona fide hit after 15 years in development. Its fan-made Half-Life remake, Black Mesa, finally released in March this year with the blessing of Half-Life creator Valve Software.

But Crowbar Collective has been more fortunate.