2024: The year Half-Life 3's development gained significant traction. This summer, data miner Gabe Follower revealed intriguing details about the game's divergence from previous installments, hinting at innovative gravity mechanics and an extensive Xen environment.

Recently, Follower released an update confirming Half-Life 3 has entered internal testing at Valve. This crucial phase determines the game's fate, with cancellation a possibility depending on the test results.

However, strong indicators suggest Half-Life 3's imminent release. The recent Half-Life 2 documentary and anniversary update strongly imply future plans for the franchise. Furthermore, each Half-Life game has been groundbreaking, setting new industry standards.

Recall Valve's strategy with Half-Life: Alyx, promoting their VR headset simultaneously. Rumors persist of Valve's ambition to create a complete gaming ecosystem, possibly including a new living room console. Imagine the impact of a simultaneous release of Steam Machines 2, challenging PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, alongside Half-Life 3. Such a move would be a massive publicity coup, something Valve is known to favor.

For Valve, releasing a new Half-Life feels like a matter of prestige. Considering Team Fortress 2's conclusion with a comic, a similar send-off (albeit delayed) for their flagship franchise seems plausible.