Half-Life 3: Valve developer accidentally confirms codename
A Valve developer accidentally mentioned the code name HLX at a conference. The unannounced project has been linked to a Half-Life sequel for years. Confirmation from Valve is still pending.
Valve developer gives code names
At the video game music conference GameSoundCon, Valve developer Mike Morasky announced the codename of an unannounced project – and it’s not just any project, if speculation is to be believed. Together with David Feise and Carlye Nyte, he gave a talk about Valve’s audio engine. In response to a question from the audience, Morasky explained that Deadlock uses its own version of HDR audio. The same applies to HLX. Dataminers have been linking HLX to a Half-Life sequel for years. After being named, Feise, who was sitting next to Morasky, reacted promptly. He apparently whispered “nice work” to his colleague and then quickly finished the answer. At the end of the round, an open microphone captured another conversation.
Feise noted that Morasky had only used the term once. Morasky reacted with surprise and asked if he had actually done that. The code name has been appearing in program lines for updates for Dota 2 and Counter-Strike 2 for a long time. Until now, fans assumed that HLX was a game based on Source 2. Tyler McVicker stated in 2025 that the title was supposedly already playable from start to finish. Morasky’s statement is now further fueling speculation.
Clues are increasing
As GamesRadar reported, handling the project is not a first for Morasky. In an interview from 2023, he spoke of “both” Half-Life games that he worked on. He corrected himself to a single game shortly thereafter. Officially, he is only listed in Half-Life: Alyx. In another situation, he allegedly almost used the abbreviation HLX, but then improved to Alyx. Despite the statements on stage, there is still no confirmation from Valve.
The company remains silent, so neither a publication date nor details about the content have been set. Fans have been waiting for a third installment since Episode Two was released in 2007. Whether the current project will ever come to market or be shelved like other developments before it remains to be seen. Because Half-Life 3 is not only a longed-for game, but also a running gag for a long time.
