'Half-Life 3' release date news: new logo pops up on Steam, game to run on Source 2 engine

Half-Life 3 alleged logoValve

Fans have been waiting for "Half-Life 3" since "Half-Life 2: Episode Two" was released back in Oct. 2007. First, there was supposed to be an "Episode Three" and then that was dropped in favor of a full-fledged sequel, and then Valve co-founder Gabe Newell's statements back in March indicated the game would never happen. A new report now hints otherwise. 

As reported here on Christian Today, a new updated logo rumored to be for "Half-Life 3" has popped up on Steam, the online service owned and run by Valve, the company behind the "Half-Life" franchise. The report also indicates that the game might make an appearance at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo if Valve is indeed moving forward with the project. 

According to a report from Yibada, "Half-Life 3" will be using the Source 2 engine. This will not only enhance how the game looks but also how it behaves, from its physics engine involving movement and shooting to its enemy A.I. and multiplayer capabilities. 

Half-Life 2 main characters Alyx Vance and Dr. Gordon FreemanValve

The report also hints that the Source 2 engine will be used for another Valve title, "Left 4 Dead 3." It is possible that the company will test the new game engine on either one of these games before leasing it out to other developers, the same way it tested and introduced the Source engine with "Half-Life 2."

If "Half-Life 3" is indeed in development and will be showcased at this year's E3, then fans might have to wait until 2016 for a viable release date. Valve has been known for delaying their titles for months and years on end, so until the company comes out with a solid release date, the game's release remains hanging in the air.

There is no official word from Valve if the logo is a mere tease or if the company is indeed working on the next installment in the "Half-Life" franchise. Back when Newell made his statement to IGN, the site pointed out that Valve is leaning more toward hardware development these days, particularly with the new VR headset they are developing alongside HTC.