Since the release of Half-Life 2 in 2004, fans have been desperately awaiting the announcement of Half-Life 3. Despite decades of rumors, nothing concrete has ever been revealed. But that could soon change. During a recent episode of the podcast Insider Gaming Weeklythe journalist Mike Straw dropped a bombshell: Half-Life 3 would indeed existand it would be planned as a launch title for the Steam Machine, Valve’s future device. “At this time, everyone I have spoken to remains adamant that Half-Life 3 will be a launch title for the Steam Machine”
Why hasn’t Valve announced anything yet?
If Half-Life 3 is ready, why is Valve remaining silent? According to Straw, the answer is economic : RAM prices have exploded in recent months, jeopardizing launch plans. “There is concern, however, that they have not yet made a decision on the price, which is delaying any further announcements. »
Rising RAM prices could force Valve to reconsider on the rise the price of the Steam Machine. Bad news for a console supposed to offer an affordable alternative to PC gaming.
A targeted release window: spring 2026
Still according to Mike Straw, Valve would aim spring 2026 to launch:
- The Steam Machine
- The Steam Controller
- And above all… Half-Life 3
But this date remains unclear. If component inflation continues, everything could be pushed back. Worse still, the final price of the Steam Machine could become a brakewhich would further delay the official announcement. However, internal Straw sources confirm that Half-Life 3 development is activeand that a release in 2026 remains envisaged.
Half-Life fans deserve better
With 21 years of waitingthe patience of Half-Life fans has reached its limits. The recent release of Half-Life: Alyx in VR had briefly revived hope… without follow-up.
This time, the signals seem more credible:
- A hardware strategy at Valve under construction
- An insider with reliable internal sources
- A approximate datebut not fancy
Half-Life 3 may be closer than everalthough the timing still depends on an uncertain technology market.