Half-Life 3 rumours intensify on 27th anniversary of original game

Last week, Valve unveiled new hardware, including the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller, all set for release early next year. While these announcements focused on hardware, several insiders suggested that a potential reveal of Half-Life 3 could follow soon.

Insider Nate the Hate, known for a reliable track record, confirmed that his sources had discussed Half-Life 3, though he received conflicting information on the timing of any potential announcement. One tip suggested a reveal would happen yesterday at noon, which did not occur.

Another source, Shpeshal_Nick, wrote on X that he had received a direct message claiming Valve would show hardware last week and software—including Half-Life 3—this week.

Journalist Sean Hollister of The Verge, who was invited to Valve's headquarters for the hardware announcements, noted unusually high security during his visit. A photo included in his story showed a Steam Machine customized with memes, including a partially censored title beginning with "H," which fans interpreted as a possible tease for the game.

Additional clues have emerged from data mining and updates to Valve's Source 2 engine, which revealed traces of a project codenamed HLX. In May, YouTuber Tyler McVicker claimed that this project, believed to be Half-Life 3, was nearing the end of development.

Given the anniversary of the original release and the timing of Valve's hardware announcement last week, many fans are anticipating that the company could use the occasion to reveal new software.