Gabe Follower: Half-Life 3 is being internally tested

2024: The Year Half-Life 3's Development Gained Momentum

Speculation surrounding a new Half-Life game has intensified throughout 2024. This summer, renowned data miner Gabe Follower revealed potential gameplay details, hinting at innovative gravity mechanics and a significant expansion into the Xen environment.

Recently, Follower released an update confirming Half-Life 3 has entered internal testing at Valve. This crucial phase determines the game's viability, with cancellation a real possibility based on the testing results.

However, several factors suggest a positive outlook for Half-Life 3's release, and potentially sooner than anticipated. The recent release of a large Half-Life 2 documentary and anniversary update strongly suggests Valve's commitment to the franchise's future. Furthermore, each Half-Life installment has historically been groundbreaking.

Valve's previous release, Half-Life: Alyx, served to promote their VR headset. Persistent rumors indicate Valve's ambition to establish a comprehensive gaming ecosystem, potentially encompassing a living room console. The simultaneous release of a hypothetical "Steam Machines 2," directly competing with PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, alongside Half-Life 3, would be a monumental event – a scenario perfectly aligned with Valve's penchant for bold moves.

For Valve, releasing a new Half-Life title feels like a matter of prestige. Considering the conclusion of Team Fortress 2 with a comic book, a similar (albeit belated) narrative resolution for their flagship franchise seems plausible.