Valve dataminer Tyler McVicker has found hints that some Half-Life could also be in energetic growth at Valve. Whereas we’re not fairly on the “Half-Life 3 confirmed!” stage of proceedings, issues are trying vivid for a brand new non-VR recreation within the sequence, for the primary time shortly.

Again in 2021, we noticed the discharge of Half-Life: Alyx. Regardless of launching to essential acclaim, it was a VR unique, which means these with out headsets had been left unable to expertise the newest iteration in Valve’s long-running sequence. Nonetheless, it was a optimistic signal that Valve is keen to revisit its iconic franchise, providing hope {that a} Half-Life 3 might lastly be on the way in which. 2007’s Half-Life 2: Episode Two is the final time we noticed a non-VR Half-Life, so it’s a wait that might realistically span twenty years earlier than something is launched by the studio.

In a video posted to his YouTube channel, McVicker confirmed quite a few causes he believes Half-Life 3 is probably going in growth at Valve. Datamining has led him to search out strings in updates for Supply 2 titles Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, hinting at a recreation codenamed HLX, the place the playable character wears a HEV go well with. Sound acquainted? This protagonist goes to a location named “Offworld,” with references to “Xengorrilla” and “Xenjellyfish” NPCs. It couldn’t sound any extra Half-Life.

In response to McVicker, these strings have come from totally different updates to the beforehand talked about titles. He has compiled proof over time to substantiate his suspicions that growth on this mission is ongoing. His hypothesis continues additional, connecting the dots right here to the resume of actress Natasha Chandel. She not too long ago revealed the existence of a Valve mission codenamed Undertaking White Sands by way of her resume, earlier than it was swiftly taken down.

So, it looks like Valve might be engaged on a single-player Half-Life recreation that includes an HEV suit-wearing protagonist. However is it really Half-Life 3? Answering the query about his perception primarily based on present findings, McVicker stated, “I gotta be very cautious when answering that query… However sure.”

Though it’s not possible to substantiate whether or not that is the case, it gives a glimmer of hope to those that have waited nearly twenty years for one thing new. Within the meantime, maintain replaying Black Mesa and dreaming of what might be.