"DOTA 2" regularly receives updates, but as pointed out in a report from IGN, the latest update came with a suspicious text file titled "hl3.txt," hinting that it may be a reference to "Half-Life 3." The file makes mentions of VR technology, game NPCs, squads, and ziplines.
Words such as "VR Movement" and "VR Chaperone" in the file indicate that the game may support Valve's Lighthouse technology and the virtual reality headset being co-developed with HTC, the HTC Vive.
There is also the mention of ziplines and a "Combine Pulse Ceiling Turret," hinting that the "Half-Life" organization "The Combine" will be present in the game's plot. Some lines in the text state that NPCs in the same squad will take turns firing and providing cover for their allies and will also share information about their enemy.
However, there is no verification if the file was added on purpose to hint that the game is indeed coming and that these are features that may make it into the game or if it was intended to be an inside joke, a little nudge to troll players who have been waiting for nearly a decade for the game's release.
As pointed out by VG24/7, the file might be quite old and could be from the time the game was still in active development. The file might have been uploaded by accident or it could simply be an elaborate hoax. There is still the hope, however, that it is a new leak that could indicate the game will see the light of day.
IGN has contacted Valve for an official comment, although at the time of writing no update has yet been given.
It was previously reported that Valve may have no plans on finishing and releasing "Half-Life 3," although there have also been rumors of the game still being developed with a 2017 or 2018 release date in mind.
