Gabe Follower: Half-Life 3 is being internally tested

2024 may well be remembered as the year Valve’s serious work on a new Half-Life game became undeniable. This summer, renowned data miner Gabe Follower revealed insights into how this new installment would diverge from its predecessors, hinting at gravity-manipulating gameplay and a substantial portion set on Xen.

Recently, Gabe Follower released an update video announcing that the Half-Life 3 concept has entered internal testing. This crucial phase involves rigorous evaluation by Valve employees and trusted associates, a stage where projects can be cancelled based on feedback.

However, all signs point towards Half-Life 3's imminent arrival. The recent large-scale Half-Life 2 documentary and the game's anniversary update strongly suggest a future for the franchise. Furthermore, each Half-Life game has been groundbreaking, setting new industry standards.

The release of Half-Life: Alyx, coupled with the promotion of Valve's VR headset, fueled speculation about a complete Valve gaming ecosystem, potentially including a living room setup. Imagine the impact of a simultaneous release of Steam Machines 2, challenging the dominance of PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, alongside Half-Life 3? It would be a monumental event, and Valve has a history of embracing such grand gestures.

For Valve, releasing a new Half-Life game feels almost like a matter of principle. Considering Team Fortress 2's conclusion with a comic, a similar (albeit belated) narrative resolution for their flagship franchise seems fitting.