This just in from Stupid Evil Bastard:

According to this news item on PC.ign.com Valve has announced that Half-Life 2 will go Gold on Monday.
…
As soon as we know the retail date, you’ll know, so stay tuned!

Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go and scare the cat by completely freaking out in a very unadult manner.

I almost had hope! But then I read…

Update: The folks at Gamespy also have a news story up on this. Thanks to Ingolfson for the link.

So I guess those of us who bought the Radeon 9800 Pro with the promise of a free download of Half-Life 2 will have to continue twiddling our gaming thumbs while waiting not-so-patiently. I wasn’t really expecting it until later in September, anyway. Actually, I’m not really expecting it at all. That way I won’t be disappointed. Hopefully I’ll be able to find my coupon with the key on it when ever it gets released.