The Valve insider known as ‘Gabe Follower’ has made a bold claim: Half-Life 3 is real. In a lengthy video, the leaker detailed information they have uncovered about the long-awaited sequel. According to the insider, Half-Life 3, also referred to as Half-Life Xen, is likely a direct sequel to Half-Life Alyx.
It will continue the story of the spinoff and take players back to the cross-dimensional realm of Xen. The leaker mentioned several notable features, including a semi-open world, a weather system, a day-night cycle, and even “smart NPCs that can talk with you.” These claims are undeniably bold for a game shrouded in mystery. The leaks originated from various mentions of Half-Life in the files of other Valve games, such as Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Deadlock.
For example, Deadlock’s bug-reporter config files include a mention of HLX, similar to how Counter-Strike 2 was included in Dota 2’s bug-reporter files three years before its official unveiling.
Half-Life return to Xen
Deadlock also includes references to the iconic HEV suit, gravity gun, and Xen creatures.
However, the HEV suit has been renamed to the Burbank suit in the game’s files. While there are breadcrumbs of Half-Life to be found in Valve’s titles, especially its upcoming FPS Deadlock, there’s no guarantee that it’s necessarily Half-Life 3 or that it will even be released. Developers often test ideas and create projects that never see the light of day.
Over the 20 years since Half-Life 2, there have been numerous leaks and rumors that have not come to fruition. As such, it’s important not to get hopes up prematurely. For now, fans will have to stay tuned for more updates on this potentially game-changing sequel.
The wait for Half-Life 3 continues, but the recent leaks from ‘Gabe Follower’ have reignited hope among the series’ dedicated fanbase.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
