It's a busy time for Valve's Steam service as preloading of SiN Episode 1: Emergence has already begun while Half Life 2: Episode One preloading will start on Monday, May 1st. Valve has also started offering fans a plush version of the headcrab through its online store.
Everyone's favorite online content delivery service is gearing up for the busy season as June 1st, release date for the H-L 2 expansion, Episode One, approaches. In order to alleviate the expected rush for the new content on launch day, Valve will begin offering its customary preloading feature to buyers this coming week.
Ritual's SiN Episode 1: Emergence has officially gone gold and Valve is now offering the preload option on that. The full game will be unlocked on May 10th at 10am Pacific Daylight Time (17:00 GMT).
Additionally Valve has added a new toy to its store lineup. The plush version of the headcrab looks odd and for USD 24.95 does not come cheap but we suspect that fans of the game may find it hard to resist those sharp teeth or the comedic value of wearing one as a helmet when you wake your room mate up in the middle of the night.