Although not much into development these days, there was a time whenValve made some fantastic games. Right from the word “go” – with the release ofHalf-Lifein 1998 – Gabe Newell and his team became an overnight success. As such, the first entry in the adventures of the silent scientist Gordon Freeman continues to be talked about a quarter of a century later.
For example, there’s been some curiosity over the inspiration for some ofHalf-Life‘s NPCs, specifically the scientists who aid Freeman. One that typically sticks out is the older physicist with the mustache and white, “mad scientist” hairstyle.
Naturally, many people assumed thisHalf-Lifecharacter was based off Albert Einstein. They’re both somewhat into science, after all, so it made sense. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
The founding father…of Black Mesa?
In a report fromTheGamer, it turns out that the labcoat-wearing NPC with the white ‘do was not inspired by the world’s most famous scientist.
According to Chuck Jones, the 3D artist who designed Gordon Freeman, this particular character was actually based off George Washington. “The one you mentioned that looked like Einstein? I think I got the inspiration from George Washington (weird haircut)—not sure why,” Jones told TheGamer.
Additionally, G-Man—the mysterious government agent who follows the player throughout the facility—was inspired by the Cigarette Man fromX-Files. The show was at its most popular back in the ’90s, so it’s not surprising that it would come under Valve andHalf-Life‘s radar.
It’s interesting how a theoretical physicist with a white haircut was not actually based off Albert Einstein. It begs the question of whether fans will start referring to him as “George” instead.
