'Half-Life 3' release date: Third installment teased in 'Dota 2' game?

A screenshot from 'Half Life 2: Episode One'. The next 'Half Life' game and Sony's 'The Last Guardian' are two of the most highly anticipated games that are still in development after all these years. Half Life 2: Episode One website

Fans and industry observers might agree that one of the much-anticipated games of all time would be "Half-Life 3." Indeed, the third installment in Valve's original horror survival series has been anticipated so long and fervently that it might have already achieved near-mythical status. Meanwhile, although information is scarce about the title, different rumors, speculations, and apparent teasers have been floating online for some time.

Industry follower MasterHerald reported that keen fans of another Valve favorite, "Dota 2," have found out that some files in the game's update may have referred to an upcoming "Half-Life" title. In the update files for "Dota 2," there was a text file that allegedly referred to some features that are inherent in the "Half-Life" series, such as VY movement, Chaperone, Squads and, apparently, Combine pulse ceiling turrets.

These features and options are part of the "Half-Life" and are not part of "Dota 2."

The information is still unconfirmed. The files may just be some easter eggs from Valve, or placed there as some sort of gag, much like the previous alleged teasers for the game. Meanwhile, it has already been stated by Valve big boss Gabe Newell that although they don't discount the possibility of a "Half-Life 3," it will still depend on the developers themselves – however loud and deafening the clamor is.

In related news, the clamor for the next "Half-Life" is such that there is a new game online, "Gabe Newell Simulator." In the title, players take on the role of the Valve big boss, and one of the things that players can do is to release a fictitious "Half-Life 3" title.

In its Steam Community page, the title is described as, "'Gabe Newell Simulator' is a game for those who have always dreamed of being the glorious PC Master Race Gabe Newell! You can impersonate Gabe and help him in his fight against other companies and make the decision to release 'Half Life 3' or not, and this will have consequences in the whole world!"

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