Although theValve Indexreleased over a year ago, the VR system attained a new lease on life whenHalf-Life: Alyxwas announced as a virtual reality exclusive.Now, with the Index’s new killer app set to release on March 23, pre-orders have surged, and the headset has been increasingly difficult to obtain.
To respond to thecurrent shortage, the developer will be releasing more Valve Index kitsfor sale. However, many sources are warning that the replenished supply is not only insufficient to meet the current demand, but also will likely not last for more than a few days.
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In a recent post, Twitter news source and leaker Steam Database revealed that the latest wave ofValve Indexvirtual reality kits would be released on Friday, March 9 at 10 am Pacific Time. However, the leaker cautioned that Valve did not expect its “available stock” to last during the weekend, and believed it would all be gone by Monday.
Valve has not confirmed the details surrounding this leak. However, considering the enthusiasmHalf-Life: Alyxhas ignited with its announcement, it makes sense that the developer is looking to supply that demand to both capitalize on the buzz and grow the game’s player base. Fan responses were tepid, lamenting the $999 price tag and the continual lack of availability.
While the news might come as a disappointment to fans, Valve’s inability to fully supply the masses is understandable. With the coronavirus continuing to ravage China and causing event cancellations at conventions like PAX East,the epidemic is affecting the Index’s manufacturersand their ability to fulfill existing orders.
It will be interesting to see how Valve’s current situation with the Index shortage andHalf-Life: Alyx’s release will play out. The game’s sales will likely not be impacted because it will be available on multiple PC VR platforms(and might even get a PlayStation VR port).While the Valve Index has seen a sales increase, it will be interesting to see whether this increase in demand will last after the game’s public debut. At the very least,Half Life: Alyxwill hopefully satiate fans of the franchise. Hopefully, however, this game lives up to its potential and allows for a new renaissance in the VR field.
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