Valve To Add Sign Language To Episode 3?

[WhiteTigerShiro]

er... guys... You remember that Gordon can't talk, right? And they're introducing sign language to allow a non-talking character to communicate? 2 and 2 make.... anyone?

Sign Language is for people who cannot hear, so a "language" is created to communicate with them. The way to solve Gordon's problem is an electrolarynx [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanical_larynx], ala Ned from South Park. Since his ears clearly work just fine (unless he's an amazing lip reader, though any radio-given instructions at any point in the games would nullify that theory), there would be no need for him to learn an entirely new language.

Edit: Also, I'm fairly... uneasy about this. Firstly, and I'm aware that there's probably more than this, but I don't like that a 3 hour game is being set back by years with one of the reasons being that they need to learn a new language. Secondly, it was awkward enough when they added that pompous what's-his-face in Episode 2, now they're adding more characters? Couldn't it have waited until Half Life 3 to introduce more characters? And thirdly, while I respect that they're adding this character to make the game seem more open to the handicapped, it always feels gimmicky when a character is boiled-down to "token minority" character with little else interesting about the character beyond that, especially when the character is coming from out of left field right at the end of a story.

I have nothing against the addition really, but Valve might have their work cut-out for them to make this character fit into a story that's already mostly over, and it would be a shame for the deaf character to turn-out to be little more than a gimmick to sell a few more copies of the game to handicapped individuals.

 

[TriggerUnhappy]

That's neat and all but why the hell didn't they just put in subtitles instead of spending time making animations for signing?

 

[Akai Shizuku]

Well, this is one way to ruin gameplay...

 

[WhiteTigerShiro]

That's neat and all but why the hell didn't they just put in subtitles instead of spending time making animations for signing?

Authenticity. Not only would it look really phony if they had some character just generically gesturing with his hands, but it would also likely come-off as offensive to people who actually do have to use sign language to communicate while they watch this character mock their language.

 

[Avatar Roku]

(Case in point: The beginning of Episode 1. Alyx asks D0g if he's done the math regarding throwing a van across a chasm. D0g slouches his shoulders, grumbles and shakes his head "no".)

Fun fact: According to the HL2: EP1 Dev Commentary, him shaking his head was a programming bug. It just ended up being so fortuitously placed that they kept it in.

 

[AkJay]

Someone on the Escapist beat you to it, i would show a link, if i could find it, you mods need to quicken your research =P

 

[Mr.Pandah]

I know I speak for probably just myself when I say this, but JUST RELEASE THE FUCKING GAME ALREADY. This may sound insensitive, but I honestly don't care about stuff like this. If this turns into some Rosetta Stone BS, I swear to God...

 

[ThisWasAWaste]

Am I the only one that thinks this is the absolute stupidest thing possible?

Yes (I wish that was true, but unfortunately there are probably more people with the same opinion).

And to those who are saying things to the extent of "OMG WTF DID THEY DELAY IT FOR JUST FOR THIZ? K LUL" (slight exaggeration), it's obvious this isn't the only thing they've been doing, this is probably just a very small portion. You guys are responding live valve themselves put out a press statement titled "EPISODE 3 DONE, FINISHING UP SIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING, RELEASE DATE 2022".

It's nice that valve is taking this into consideration and doing research on something before they implement it. Some might not think so, but if you were deaf I think you would probably have a slightly different opinion.

Not really. Subtitles. There, solved.

"But then the deaf are missing out, Cliff. That's insensitive."

Can you please sign "Shot goes off behind you 5000 times?" Because deaf gamers aren't missing out on dialogue, dude. They're missing environmental dangers.

HL2 has CC. So you get tihngs like "Combine Chatter", "Manhack buzzing", "Helicopter", "Explosion" to let you know about sounds.

One of the deaf people in the video even said that he really liked valves use of cc in their games. I'm not (and valve/the deaf people in the video aren't) saying that there should be a disembodied Gabe Newell floating around you in game so he can sign BOOM HEADSHOT every time you BOOM HEADSHOT someone. This has nothing to do with something like that, they're just looking to further develop the characters in their games while also looking out for an audience that doesn't get much attention, nothing wrong with either of those in my books.

 

[The Bandit]

Am I the only one that thinks this is the absolute stupidest thing possible?

Yes (I wish that was true, but unfortunately there are probably more people with the same opinion).

And to those who are saying things to the extent of "OMG WTF DID THEY DELAY IT FOR JUST FOR THIZ? K LUL" (slight exaggeration), it's obvious this isn't the only thing they've been doing, this is probably just a very small portion. You guys are responding live valve themselves put out a press statement titled "EPISODE 3 DONE, FINISHING UP SIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING, RELEASE DATE 2022".

It's nice that valve is taking this into consideration and doing research on something before they implement it. Some might not think so, but if you were deaf I think you would probably have a slightly different opinion.

Well, then, allow me to explain WHY it's stupid.

Firstly, though, I agree with you. The title of this article is misleading. If it had simply stated the sign language might be implemented into Ep. 3, the response would probably be less negative.

Anywayz. There really isn't much base for putting sign language into the game. Story-wise, there's no logical reason for it. Alyx already is capable of understanding what Dog is saying, and, hell, the GAMER can even understand it through his motions and the tone of his beeps and what not. Putting sign language in through Dog would ruin an important aspect of his character, I think. Not to mention that it's odd that it hasn't been mentioned until the closing chapter of the story arc. It would be like putting sign language on R2-D2 in Return of the Jedi. I don't understand the point.

More importantly, it won't likely be a major element. There will likely be one cutscene where Alyx and Dog converse through sign language, and that IS a waste of time, regardless of misleading articles.

But, whatever. It would be nice to introduce a deaf, sign language character with accurate signs into a game. Just like it's always nice to throw in the token black guy. Just don't do it with an already established franchise.

 

[ThisWasAWaste]

More importantly, it won't likely be a major element. There will likely be one cutscene where Alyx and Dog converse through sign language, and that IS a waste of time, regardless of misleading articles.

But, whatever. It would be nice to introduce a deaf, sign language character with accurate signs into a game. Just like it's always nice to throw in the token black guy. Just don't do it with an already established franchise.

Well from what I saw in the videos it would be more of something in the background from the sounds of it, not a major plot point. I can see where you're coming from though. All we can hope for is that valve does it tastefully, which I don't think they'll have a problem with. I don't see them implementing a scripted sequence where Gordon learns sign language from dog via quick time events.

 

[the1ultimate]

An interesting idea, but not necessarily a good reason for episode 3 to be taking so long.

Why try people's patience with a highly anticipated game by adding in new elements for an audience you ignored in the first place?
Why not start this in a new game?

I'm being a little mean I guess. It could be a good idea, and set many people on the path to learning sign language thus contributing to a far more caring world etc.

And I guess I can understand that teaching Dog facial expressions might be a challenge for even a master choreographer who knows sign language...

 

[Hamster at Dawn]

I guess that makes sense. If Alyx used to have a crush on a deaf guy then it's a bit more understandable why she spends so much time with a mute. She clearly has relationship issues.

 

[KnowYourOnion]

YEY for diversity in games!

Also is practice spelled wrong, or is it a British thing?

Its practise if it's the verb and practice if its a noun so it should be practise in the text, At least thats what i recall please do correct me if I'm wrong

(sorry for the grammar nazism)

 

[Glass_House]

er... guys... You remember that Gordon can't talk, right? And they're introducing sign language to allow a non-talking character to communicate? 2 and 2 make.... anyone?

Sign Language is for people who cannot hear, so a "language" is created to communicate with them. The way to solve Gordon's problem is an electrolarynx [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanical_larynx], ala Ned from South Park. Since his ears clearly work just fine (unless he's an amazing lip reader, though any radio-given instructions at any point in the games would nullify that theory), there would be no need for him to learn an entirely new language.

Edit: Also, I'm fairly... uneasy about this. Firstly, and I'm aware that there's probably more than this, but I don't like that a 3 hour game is being set back by years with one of the reasons being that they need to learn a new language. Secondly, it was awkward enough when they added that pompous what's-his-face in Episode 2, now they're adding more characters? Couldn't it have waited until Half Life 3 to introduce more characters? And thirdly, while I respect that they're adding this character to make the game seem more open to the handicapped, it always feels gimmicky when a character is boiled-down to "token minority" character with little else interesting about the character beyond that, especially when the character is coming from out of left field right at the end of a story.

I have nothing against the addition really, but Valve might have their work cut-out for them to make this character fit into a story that's already mostly over, and it would be a shame for the deaf character to turn-out to be little more than a gimmick to sell a few more copies of the game to handicapped individuals.

Well i am pretty sure an electrolarynx would be pretty hard to come by with the world being overrun with combine and all. But even so, any major character that communicates solely through sign language is useless.

Unless of course every NPC in HL knows how to speak sign language.... which I think would make Alyx teaching dog sign language a bit pointless don't you think. The whole thing just seems like a publicity stunt to me. Because there is no way something with such flawed logic could be beneficial to the story.

 

[megapenguinx]

Wow, I did not expect that...

Second. But seriously, facial expressions are important to even express a word, let alone context. I reckon dogs head spins around 180 degrees and there's an artifical face.

I would get so many nightmares from that you have no idea.

 

[Kstreitenfeld]

Am I the only one that thinks this is the absolute stupidest thing possible?

Thats a pretty selfish thing to say, I think its very heartwarming of value to do so much to improve their games for the deaf.

 

[Baneat]

What's wrong with subtitles?

 

[Woodsey]

Am I the only one that thinks this is the absolute stupidest thing possible?

No, I can't see the point either. Especially using it on a ten foot tall metal 'dog'. Seems like they're exploring something completely irrelevant to the episode.

It seems odd they'd try and involve a back story to Alyx about an old boyfried when

Spoiler: Spoiler" post="7.129744.2821628

her father has just died

I'm not saying don't do it ever, just not now, in a game that's been going nowhere for 2 years and still hasn't even had it's story finalised.

It's not insensitivity to the deaf, but I hardly think they're going to feel so much more involved for something that would almost inevitably be 2 minutes tops out of an 8 hour game. Seems much more like a 'Token Black' idea than anything innovative.

 

[Cargando]

Good Lord, I thought they'd forgotten about the Half-Life series.

Still, I think it's a lovely idea to include a deaf character in the game, it's different and that's what I like in games.