[Rumor] Half-Life 3 could be fully playable already

Few games are as highly anticipated as Half-Life 3. Following the long-awaited releases of Shenmue 3 and the Final Fantasy VII Remake (at least in part), the return of Gordon Freeman continues to dominate headlines—and now a new rumor adds fuel to the fire.

According to Tyler McVicker, a well-known Valve insider, Half-Life 3 is not only in development, but reportedly in a state that allows the entire game to be played from start to finish. The rumor goes even further, suggesting an announcement this summer and a potential release window in winter 2025—that is, the final quarter of this year.

The speculation is based on reports that Valve has been working on a significant Half-Life project under the codename “HLX”, and that one of the actors involved may have unintentionally leaked its existence.

McVicker also emphasizes that no other Half-Life 3 attempt has ever progressed this far, and clarifies that this is not a VR title.

Naturally, take all of this with a lot of caution.

Thanks, Eurogamer.