65%
Probable
Work on Valve's HLX project, rumored to be the highly anticipated Half-Life 3, is continuing with more optimization passes, suggesting that the project's polishing phase is in full swing.
In a new video shared on YouTube a few hours ago, Tyler McVicker, who provided correct updates on Valve's project for years before their official announcements, reviewed some of the additions made to the Source 2 engine with the Counter-Strike 2 October 15 update.
Unlike past updates, which introduced new systems and features that aren't in use in any other game powered by the Valve engine, the latest update focuses more on optimization and polishing, introducing an automated process to clean up system resources, changes to the sound simulation and liquid simulation systems, and more.
Though in a smaller number than before, new features likely meant for Half-Life 3 HLX have also been added by the latest Counter-Strike 2 update to the Source 2 engine, such as an expanded damage group system to take into account enemy models other than humanoid, and an asynchronous particle simulation system which will compute particles interfacing with simulated wind speed, allowing wind speed to adjust how the particles react on a case-by-case basis as well.
The most notable addition, and the one that is sparking the most discussion in the community, is the introduction of a new icon that denotes a new group of assets labeled as "science". Tyler McVicker speculates that this doesn't mean much for Half-Life 3 HLX, as, from every update seen to date, the game is clearly in a polishing phase where no assets are being added. Though this usually is the final development phase, Valve could take years to complete it, so there's no indication the game is any close to release.
However, something could be brewing, and the game's release could not be too far in the future. According to rumors, a trailer for Half-Life 3 HLX is being worked on, and if how Valve handled Half-Life Alyx marketing and release is any indication, the game should be launching shortly after its announcement.
Although Tyler McVicker speculates that something related to Half-Life 3 HLX can happen in November, we have to take any potential reveal date with a massive grain of salt, considering previous reveal windows ended up not being correct. As of now, only one thing seems to be almost for sure: the Half-Life series is far from being done.
About the author: Francesco De Meo has been covering video games and technology since 2012, starting his career at small outlets like Gamersyndrome and GeekSnack. After joining Wccftech gaming section in 2015, he quickly expanded his video gaming coverage with in-depth reporting, interviews with iconic industry figures such as Grasshopper Manufacture founder and No More Heroes creator Goichi "Suda51" Suda, Resident Evil series creator Shinji Mikami, Team NINJA's president and Nioh series director Fumihiko Yasuda, and Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, reviews and on-the-ground coverage of major industry events such as Gamescom and E3. When he's not reporting or reviewing, Francesco can be found playing the genres he loves most, spending time with his six cats, reading, writing music, playing guitar and drumming for his progressive rock band.
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