Every so often, a remarkable discovery resurfaces from the depths of forgotten storage spaces, reigniting the passion of enthusiasts. This month, a significant piece of gaming history was uncovered when former game developer Chad Jessup found a beta build of the iconic Half-Life during a routine cleanout of his storage unit. Now available for download through the Internet Archive, this version of the game offers a fascinating glimpse into the developmental stages of the legendary shooter.

Jessup, whose credits boast industry stalwarts like Destiny 2 expansions and Xbox 360’s Shadowrun, once served as an external tester on the original Half-Life. Despite the somewhat vague crediting practices of the '90s, which often condensed QA testers’ contributions to a generic acknowledgment, Jessup’s professional background and possession of this beta build substantiate his role. This rare find dates to October 20, 1998, and is labeled "Half-Life, Beta 2, Net Test 2," positioning it just weeks before the official release of the game.

In sharing his discovery on X, popularly known as "The Everything App," Jessup revealed that this version contains a treasure trove of differences from the finalized game. Videogame preservation enthusiast Reagan has procured the disc image and made it available on the Internet Archive, though installing and running it isn’t straightforward. Some users have pointed out the necessity of removing certain files for the beta to function, and its multiplayer modes are configured to access defunct online services. Nevertheless, this hasn't dimmed the enthusiasm of gamers eager to explore its contents.

Reagan’s initial findings from the beta, as documented on their personal blog, highlight several nuanced differences, including variations in scripting, AI behavior, character models, and textures. Notably, the level Forget About Freeman presents a significant divergence, funneling players into the Communications Center—a map foundational to Half-Life’s Uplink demo. This segment, according to Reagan, is among the game’s oldest maps, creating a fascinating contrast with the more polished final version.

With only 15 hours spent exploring the beta before the initial report, it’s clear that much remains to be uncovered. Jessup’s comments about "unfinished levels" hint at further hidden gems waiting to be revealed. This exciting discovery not only enriches our understanding of Half-Life's development process but also underscores the importance of videogame preservation. Who knows what other treasures might surface next? Perhaps the source code of another classic is hidden away somewhere, waiting for its moment in the spotlight.