Valve publicly mentions HLX without identifying the project
A GameSoundCon discussion and new code findings have renewed speculation about a possible Half-Life project, but its identity remains unconfirmed.
Valve has publicly referred to HLX for the first time, with composer and sound designer Mike Morasky discussing the project during a GameSoundCon 2026 Q&A. Morasky said HLX and Deadlock have separate, customized HDR implementations, but the project's identity remains unclear.
The HLX codename has been present in Valve code since early 2024. Its public mention has renewed speculation about Half-Life 3, although Valve has provided no substantial information about a new Half-Life project since Half-Life: Alyx launched in 2020.
Valve data miner Tyler McVicker separately described recent Source 2 engine changes in a video, examining updates to Deadlock, Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 for possible connections to HLX. His earlier reports identified code for computer-controlled enemies and concepts associated with previous Half-Life games, despite those three titles being multiplayer games.
McVicker's latest findings included features involving the Combine gunship and other enemies, rain audio that changes dynamically, and new technology for animating cutscenes. Other code findings suggest procedural changes to levels, ray tracing and AMD FSR support, though their connection to HLX remains uncertain.
