Half-Life 3 seems to be more than a myth after years of speculation. According to Valve insider Tyler McVicker, the long-awaited sequel is not only in active development but is now fully playable from start to finish. Fans who have waited since 2007 for the story to continue may finally see an official announcement as early as this summer, with a potential release by winter 2025.

During a recent livestream Q and A session, McVicker shared that the game, internally referred to as HLX, has reached a point no other Half-Life project has before. He said Valve is getting ready for a public announcement since it is now being refined and optimized. McVicker stressed that this version of Half-Life 3 is not a virtual reality title, countering earlier speculation that it would follow the style of Half-Life Alyx.

HLX is said to incorporate a procedural generation system that adapts gameplay in real-time. Unlike games such as Minecraft or Starfield, which use procedural generation to build environments, HLX focuses on shifting elements like enemies, items, and doors in response to player behavior. McVicker compared it to the AI Director from Left 4 Dead, though significantly more advanced. He also clarified that the game’s story will remain scripted rather than procedurally generated.

While McVicker avoided revealing specific plot details, he mentioned that trustworthy sources have offered him story information. He has chosen not to engage with it, though he did tease the possibility of a crossover with the Portal series. He believes Portal protagonist Chell may make an appearance in Half-Life 3. He also mentioned that Portal 3 could be considered for development after HLX is completed, depending on staffing changes within Valve. Writer Erik Wolpaw is said to be particularly eager to continue the Portal series.

Hints of HLX have surfaced in recent data-mined updates to Valve games such as Deadlock, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike 2. These findings pointed to characteristics like ray tracing and AI-driven systems and exposed references to HLX. Valve has a track record of invention. The addition of these technologies indicates the firm wants to provide a current and reactive gaming experience.

Half-Life 3 has previously been in development around 2013 and 2014 but was canceled due to the limitations of the then-unfinished Source 2 engine. This new version appears to be built on much more stable ground, and according to McVicker, it is the furthest along any Half-Life project has ever been.

There are also rumors that this installment will bring Gordon Freeman’s journey to a close. In March, Valve concept artist Evgeniy Evstratiy claimed he had been in the room where Half-Life 3 was being developed. Around the same time, another leaker suggested that the game would serve as the ending to the main Half-Life storyline.

While Valve has made no official announcement, fans are paying close attention. The growing number of credible leaks and insider reports have made Half-Life 3 feel more real than ever. If McVicker is correct, 2025 may finally deliver the long-promised conclusion to one of gaming’s most iconic franchises.