How many copies did Half-Life sell? — 2024 statistics

Half-Life sales reached a total of 15.8 million units, as of December 2008.

(Source: Game Developer)

• Original Half Life game sold 9.3 million units.
• Half Life 2 sold 6.56 million units.
• The Half-Life expansion packs sold a combined 1.9 million units.
• The Half-Life 2 expansion packs sold a combined 1.4 million units.
• These figures did not account for digital sales.

The Half-Life series has demonstrated impressive sales figures over the years, with the two main games in the franchise selling a combined 15.8 million units at retail. The expansion packs for both Half-Life and Half-Life 2 have also contributed significantly to the series’ commercial success, selling millions of additional units. While the retail sales numbers are substantial, the inclusion of digital sales further highlights the enduring popularity and reach of the Half-Life franchise across multiple platforms and generations of gamers.

Half-Life 2 had sold over 12 million copies worldwide by February 9, 2011.

(Source: Forbes)

• The PC version sold 680,000 copies and earned $34.3 million in the United States by August 2006.
• The game received a “Platinum” sales award in the UK, indicating sales of at least 300,000 copies.

Half-Life 2 was a major commercial success for Valve. The game sold an impressive 12 million copies worldwide, with strong performance in both the US and UK markets. The platinum sales award in the UK and the multi-million dollar revenue in the US demonstrate that Half-Life 2 resonated with a large global audience and solidified its status as one of the best-selling and most influential games of its era.

Half-Life 2 PC version generated $34.3 million in revenue in the US by August 2006.

• The game was the 17th best-selling PC game in the US between January 2000 and August 2006.
• It received critical acclaim, earning 39 Game of the Year awards.

Half-Life 2 was an unparalleled commercial success for Valve. PC version generated $34.3 million in revenue in the United States alone and received a prestigious “Platinum” sales award in the UK. Half-Life 2 was also a critical darling, earning 39 Game of the Year awards and cementing its status as one of the most influential and beloved games of its generation.

Development of Half-Life 2 cost $40 million and took 5 years.

(Source: PCMag)

• Valve’s president Gabe Newell gave the development team a virtually unlimited budget for Half-Life 2.
• Newell was willing to fund the $40 million project himself if necessary.

The development of Half-Life 2 was an ambitious and challenging undertaking for Valve. The game took a full 5 years to create, with a team of 82 developers working tirelessly to bring Valve president Gabe Newell’s vision to life. Newell gave the team a “virtually unlimited” budget, even offering to fund the $40 million project himself if necessary, demonstrating Valve’s unwavering commitment to delivering a groundbreaking experience. The integration of the new Source engine and physics-based gameplay mechanics like the gravity gun were innovative breakthroughs that helped redefine the first-person shooter genre. 

Half-Life 2 sold 18.2 million units and generated $108.3 million in gross revenue on Steam.

• The game has 97.6% positive reviews and an average playtime of 32.7 hours.
• It is ranked in the top 0.1% for lifetime units sold, lifetime gross revenue, and number of positive reviews.
• The game is highly ranked in various subgenres like survival, building, and exploration.

Half-Life 2 is a highly successful and critically acclaimed game that has stood the test of time. Its impressive sales figures, positive reviews, and high rankings across various metrics demonstrate its enduring popularity and impact within the gaming industry. The game’s longevity and continued engagement from players suggest it has left a lasting legacy and solidified its place as a beloved classic.