Is Half-Life 3 Finally Happening? 'HLX' Rumors Gain Momentum
For years, the very idea of Half-Life 3 has remained legend instead of reality. But within the past year or so, rumors within gaming circles have grown, focused on a game codenamed 'HLX'. Could this finally be the mythical follow-up so long awaited by gamers? Latest speculation suggests it's nearer than ever.
Frenzied Playtesting Sparks Rumors
According to Tyler McVicker, a source that has given sound Valve insight before, the HLX project isn't a notion – it's reportedly getting highly playtested these days. According to McVicker in a recent stream, the testing is so widespread and regular that data is starting to leak out increasingly freely. Apparently, HLX mentions have even shown up in recent patches for other Valve properties like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike 2, keeping the rumors going. The amount of playtesting that has taken place has been so high that insiders have gone on to leak information, with plot points allegedly already circulating.
What Kind of Game Might HLX Be?
If you were searching for another VR experience, like Half-Life: Alyx, well, forget it. McVicker stated that HLX is not being made as a virtual reality game. Interestingly enough, it seems the game will feature procedural generation elements, but not necessarily the type you might be familiar with for creating maps or conventional roguelike features.
Rather, think of it as the next iteration of the 'Director' system that made Left 4 Dead so engaging. This system would allegedly have an effect on things moment-to-moment in the game world – shifting door layouts, physics props, encountered enemy types, and even NPC actions. This would potentially make each playthrough feel less formulaic and more responsive.
A Reveal This Summer?
So how close is HLX? The leaks suggest it's progressed much further than other similar Valve projects. McVicker believes the game is playable start to finish, so the overall content and mechanics might be completed. The dev focus is supposedly shifting to optimizing and polishing – the final stages before a game is complete.
From this progress, McVicker speculates that we might be hearing an official statement for HLX sometime later this summer that will lead to a winter launch. Naturally, until Valve itself weighs in on the issue, we're guessing. But to half-hearted Half-Life enthusiasts, rumors are the best signs in quite some time.
