'Half Life 3' Release Date: Rumors are Increasing, Steam Launch Coming Soon?

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It has been more than a decade since fans have started waiting for “Half Life 3” -- Valve's highly-anticipated sequel to Gordon Freeman's adventures -- but it seems that until now, only rumors are out.

The latest rumor about the game suggests that Valve could be planning on making next-level “Half Life” experiences for all players, and that they might also make “Half Life 3” a VR-supported game, reports Christian Today.

This rumor comes from VRFocus, who reported that HTC and Valve planned to have an event showcasing new, unrevealed content utilizing the new Vive virtual reality headset. Some have speculated that this event would be the perfect opportunity for Valve to unveil “Half Life 3.” However, that won't be the case.

Valve's Chet Faliszek, a writer who worked on both “Half Life” and “Portal” games, said Valve will not unveil “Half Life 3” in the event.

“Just to clarify for everyone, the content showcase is about highlighting select 3rd party experiences. Valve is not showing content there,” Faliszek tweeted.

Just to clarify for everyone, the content showcase is about highlighting select 3rd party experiences. Valve is not showing content there.

— Chet Faliszek (@chetfaliszek) January 17, 2016

Other rumors

Other rumors suggest that “Half Life 3” will be releasing this 2016. This is because the game has been listed as available for preorder on Swedish game site Webhallen.

Webhallen has listed the game as releasing in 2016 and is selling it for 449 Swedish krona (about $52.44 USD). However, excited buyers should be wary: Webhallen doesn't even have a photo of the game's design and it's currently out of stock. They say, though, that it's developed by Valve.

Another rumor suggests that “Half Life 3” will be making it's way to Steam. KpopStarz reports that, in 2015, Steam watchdog Steam Database has found evidence of the game's existence in the form of a document titled “hl3.txt” inside a “DOTA 2” update.

GamesRadar, however, rebutted that idea, saying that the “hl3.txt” and two other files that were found are actually help files that Valve used in “Half Life 2.” There goes the rumor.

Looking into the bright side

Don't be sad, though. Although “Half Life 3” is still unclear (given that “Half Life” writer Marc Laidlaw retired from Valve), a new “Half Life” game is coming.

A game titled “Prospekt” is now available for preorder on Steam. This game is a fan-made sequel to “Half Life 2,” and has been approved by Valve for release. It's available for $10.

Fun fact: “Prospekt” is not made by Valve. It's made by a designer named Richard Seabrook, who tried to use the game as a job application to the game company, reports The Verge.