Half-Life 2: Episode One... let the confusion begin

Gamespot has word from Valve that instead of the upcoming expansion "Half-Life 2: Aftermath" the content will be going episodic, with the first episode titled "Half-Life 2: Episode One."

"Valve Software has revealed to GameSpot that Aftermath, the upcoming expansion pack to the award-winning 2004 shooter Half-Life 2, has been renamed "Half-Life 2: Episode One." When asked whether the name change is indicative of a change in direction for the Half-Life 2 franchise, Valve marketing director Doug Lombardi replied, "episodic." When asked the follow-up question of whether the new name meant that beginning of a regular flow of content, Lombardi replied, "yes.""

As much as I support the idea of episodic content, this possible new naming scheme just doesn't work for me. By releasing new content in episode form, like a TV show, the companies that are involved with FPS and a host of genres will be able to keep up with the companies that are making bundles with MMORPG subscriptions. Now, while Valve replied to GSpot that the first episode will be Aftermath I hope that they aren't changing the actual game title. First of all, how does it make any sense? If they're going to name a game "Episode One" shouldn't that have been the name of the first sequel itself? Or even the original Half-Life? I'm hoping that they're just referring to Aftermath as Episode One because I personally find it more creative and it just makes more sense. I guess we'll have to see...