'Left 4 Dead 3' release date news: Sequel expected at E3 2016; release date coming 2017?

Details about the third installment for the L4D franchise are still sketchy (screenshot of L4D2 from Valve)Valve

Rumor has it that the next zombie survival horror shooter from Valve, "Left 4 Dead 3," will appear at E3 2016, happening next month. In addition, it is rumored that the announcement will mention a 2017 release.

According to Yibada, Valve and developer Turtle Rock Studios have yet to confirm the showcase at next month's trade show. However, considering that the annual E3 is one of the biggest trade shows in the gaming industry, the two studios may have something big planned for the "Left 4 Dead" franchise, one of their big collaborations. In addition, while confirmed details are scarce, numerous "leaks" have already circulated online about "Left 4 Dead 3."

However, although a "Left 4 Dead 3" sequel is already expected by fans, it may turn out that Turtle Rock Studios will not be the developer at all.

Previously, studio founder Phil Robb was quoted as saying, "I think we're pretty much done with it. It's Valve's thing now. We've kind of gone off in our own direction. So I'd kinda like to see something new being done with it, and Valve always does great stuff, but it'd be cool to go back to it as just a fan and not a developer. But I doubt you'll see anything from us."

Meanwhile, although the last time that a sequel for the "Left 4 Dead" franchise was released was in 2009, interest in the zombie survival shooter endures. According to EuroGamer, "Left 4 Dead 3" and "Half-Life 3" are two of the most awaited titles from Valve. Outside of the alleged details coming out about the two games, the way that Valve set up the two series, from the story down to the gameplay, made the "Left 4 Dead" and "Half-Life" series successful to fans, with gamers waiting patiently for their proper sequels.