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 entry will diverge from its predecessors, hinting at gravity-manipulating gameplay and a significant expansion into the Xen world.

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 project cancellation remains a possibility.

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 installment has historically been groundbreaking.

Recall that Half-Life: Alyx served as a promotional vehicle for Valve's VR headset. Persistent rumors suggest Valve's ambition to create a comprehensive gaming ecosystem, potentially encompassing a living-room console setup. Imagine a scenario where Valve unveils Steam Machines 2, directly challenging PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, with the simultaneous release of Half-Life 3? The impact would be monumental – and Valve thrives on such monumental events.

Releasing a new Half-Life game feels almost like a matter of principle for Valve. Given the comic book conclusion to Team Fortress 2, a similar (albeit belated) send-off for their flagship franchise seems entirely plausible.