While Deadlock's sort-of-launch last year was proof that Valve does, in fact, still make videogames, its immaculate vibes served as a different sort of reminder: That the studio remains among the best in the business of characterful animation. From Meet the Heavy's moments of tender minigun affection to the cyclopean gesticulation of Portal 2's Wheatley, Valve's artists and animators are masters at the subtle craft of imbuing even virtual and inhuman characters with humanity.
Which is why it felt fitting to learn that Valve's house style has Muppet DNA in the mix, thanks to a Jim Henson Company puppeteer that helped the studio bring its characters to life.
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