Valve Does Sign Lanuage for HL2: E3?
Joystiq is reporting that Valve Software is researching sign language for the next episode (3) of Half-Life 2 by conducting a focus group with deaf individuals. The company is looking to understand the language and how it can be used in games. Valve's first use of the new sign language technology will be implemented into the backstory of Alyx as explained in this YouTube video with Gabe Newell.
"[Alyx] had a crush on someone who was hearing impaired, so she taught Dog how to sign so she could practice," Newell said. "Something happened, maybe, the person is off fighting the Combine someplace else, but that's why she and Dog would start signing with each other when they wanted to communicate without making noise, or communicate without other people knowing."
The largest aspect of virtualizing the use of sign language is not only the unique hand movements, but the facial expressions as well. While Valve Software has been one of the more prominent developers in regards to character facial movements, taking on sign language and its nuances is a huge--but ultimately a beneficial--project. Ultimately Valve wants to create a believable, authentic experience, a believable backstory for the heroine.
"It gave us the excuse to build the technology for signing," he said.

This isn't for deaf gamers,did you even read the article? It's about making a more believable, realistic, and enveloping experience out of the game, something many developers don't give two shits about these days.
Now I won't have the 'waaaw' feeling when I play the game...
PISSING ME OFF!!
This isn't for deaf gamers,did you even read the article? It's about making a more believable, realistic, and enveloping experience out of the game, something many developers don't give two shits about these days.
The first thing that came to mind when I read this was, subtitles would make deaf people hear what's going on in the game. Still pretty interesting though
Really? Is it really that hard to catch that typo?
Apparently it is because only you noticed it.
... They would have had my money (getting ready tp purchase, then I discover...).
If you remember, VALVe is huge on having a back story for all but of course Freeman and G-Man.
Think of when you played EP2 and the ending. How did you feel? (to those who beat it). Didn't you feel that remorse and anger all at once? VALVe just wants to deepen Alyx to a new level. I find nothing wrong with that as the HL series itself has a very deep story thats become more wide open with the OB but also has a lot of mystery to it, such as who the G-Man is or what happened to Freeman those 7 years.
i seriously forgot the storyline.
We have been so so starved for Ep3 news. Lest we forget Portal 2. Just make it worth the pains of withdrawl, Valve.