Exciting news for Half-Life fans! 2024 marks a significant year, with strong indications that Valve is actively developing a new entry in the legendary Half-Life franchise. This summer, renowned data miner Gabe Follower revealed potential gameplay features, including innovative gravity mechanics and a substantial portion set in the alien world of Xen.

Recently, Gabe Follower shared an updated video, announcing that Half-Life 3's concept has progressed to internal testing. This crucial phase involves rigorous evaluation by Valve employees and trusted associates, and the game's fate could hinge on the results.

However, several factors strongly suggest Half-Life 3 is on track for release, perhaps sooner than anticipated. The recent extensive Half-Life 2 documentary and anniversary update seem unlikely without future plans for the series. Furthermore, each Half-Life installment has historically been groundbreaking.

The release of Half-Life: Alyx, coupled with Valve's promotion of its VR headset, hints at a broader strategy. Speculation abounds regarding Valve's ambition to create a complete gaming ecosystem, potentially including a living room console. Imagine the impact of a simultaneous launch of Steam Machines 2 (a competitor to PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch) alongside Half-Life 3 – a monumental event perfectly aligned with Valve's penchant for grand announcements.

For Valve, releasing a new Half-Life feels like a matter of prestige. Considering the conclusion of Team Fortress 2 with a comic, a similar send-off (even if delayed) for their flagship franchise seems plausible.