
Both Half-Life 2: Episode Two and Portal have started pre-loading through Steam on customers’ computers, according to Valve. The idea of pre-loading is to gradually download a game in advance of its release; however, the files are encrypted and can only be unlocked on the day of the game’s release. Buying a physical copy sidesteps the pre-loading process, but even then customers of either medium have to activate the games through Steam to play them.
The Orange Box, which includes the two aforementioned titles as well as Team Fortress 2, will be released on PC and Xbox 360 on October 10, next Wednesday.














