'Half-Life 3' release date: Sequel's future still uncertain

A screenshot from 'Half Life 2: Episode One'. Half Life 2: Episode One website

Fans and industry observers alike agree that one of the most anticipated titles in the gaming world is a new proper sequel to the "Half-Life" franchise's story. "Half-Life 3" continues to be speculated on, with supposed leaks and inside information being floated online.

However, there are still no confirmed details on the title, and the future of "Half-Life 3," while the title itself has already achieved a somewhat legendary status, remains uncertain.

The most recent confirmed information in connection to the "Half-Life" franchise is a fan-made game. Scheduled to be released this week, "Prospekt" is a fan-made title that tells of the events concurrent to the story in "Half-Life 2." The news made waves online, as it was told that the game, while a fan-made one, has all the blessings of Valve, and the "Half-Life" developer even gave the "Prospekt" creator license to use "Half-Life" assets and creations.

Meanwhile, prior to "Prospekt," it was revealed that Marc Laidlaw already left Valve. Fans of the "Half-Life" franchise worry that this is a big blow to the prospects of "Half-Life 3," as Laidlaw, as part of the development team working on the franchise, wrote the stories for the original "Half-Life" titles. He was heavily involved in the creation of the previous games, and so his leaving Valve added confusion as to when to expect "Half-Life 3."

The future of "Half-Life 3" has also been a part of numerous Easter eggs and jokes in the industry. Recently, a fan-made parody of "Fallout 4" made the rounds online. In the video, it can be seen that while the footage made fun of the Bethesda title, the creator can't help but also grill Valve about "Half-Life 3." Reportedly, the footage had the main character asking if "Half-Life 3" is finally out, and even featured a billboard showing Gabe Newell, Valve founder, choking Gordon Freeman, the main protagonist of the "Half-Life" franchise.

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