'Half-Life 3' release date, news, rumors: More hints of Valve developing next 'Half-Life' sequel; Next installment will be VR compatible?

Miguel Salonga Thursday, October 27, 2016

Promotional image for Valve video game "Half-Life 2" | Facebook/Half-Life2

It has been years since "Half-Life 2" was released and until now, Valve has not yet mentioned any plans of continuing the highly successful first person shooter game series. For the past several months, there have been talks regarding the possibility of a third "Half-Life" video game coming up soon. While Valve has no words about the rumor, the fans continue to find hints that will point to the current development of "Half-Life 3."

Just recently, several fans who happen to be code detectives have figured out something interesting in a recent update of the game "DotA 2." As reported by GameSpresso, the certain "DotA 2" code is named "HLVR," and the "Half-Life" fans were fast to pick it up. They believe that the "HLVR" code is actually pertaining to the upcoming "Half-Life" installment, which means "Half-Life Virtual Reality." This code is right at the timing when the fans are speculating about a virtual reality (VR) support for "Half-Life 3."

Game N Guide earlier reported that Valve may be quietly creating "Half-Life 3" as they plan to incorporate virtual reality features on it. To do this, the game studio is said to sign a partnership with HTC. Even the chairwoman of HTC, Cher Wang, confirmed that the two companies are working together on a certain project, although she did not confirm if this particular project is "Half-Life 3." If ever the rumors were true, then "Half-Life 3" might be among the first game titles to become playable with the virtual reality headset, HTC Vive.

So far, the latest rumors suggest that "Half-Life 3" might be released sometime in 2018. That year marks the video game's twentieth anniversary, as Valve first released the original "Half-Life" title back in 1998 for the Windows PC platform. Valve has not yet revealed their plans for a third "Half-Life" title so it is better to wait for their official confirmation first and take the early rumors with a grain of salt.