Entertainment · Gaming · 4 hrs ago
Valve Composer Mentions HLX, Renewing Half-Life 3 Rumors
At a GameSoundCon panel in Burbank, California, Valve composer Mike Morasky mentioned the codename HLX while discussing the company's audio technology.
Another panelist appeared to note the slip, but Morasky's remark does not confirm what the project is.
Fans have long linked HLX to a new Half-Life game, possibly a direct follow-up to Half-Life 2: Episode Two.
Valve has not confirmed or denied that a third mainline game is in development.
The franchise has had no new mainline game since Half-Life 2: Episode Two, released nearly two decades ago, though Half-Life: Alyx came out in 2020 as a virtual reality prequel.
A 2025 report said the rumored game was playable from end to end, but Valve has given no indication that it plans to announce it soon.
Fans are left waiting for an official announcement.
Valve composer Mike Morasky mentioned “HLX” during a GameSoundCon panel, renewing speculation that the company is making a new Half-Life game.
Morasky was discussing audio systems when he said that HLX had its own version of Valve’s HDR system.
Co-panelist David Feise reacted by telling Morasky, “Good job, you only said HLX once.”
HLX is a rumored codename that some fans believe refers to Half-Life 3, but Valve has not confirmed that interpretation.
The sources say there is no indication that Valve plans to announce a new Half-Life game soon.
- Who
- Valve composer and audio artist Mike Morasky mentioned HLX. Co-panelist David Feise reacted.
- What
- The mention renewed rumors that HLX is a new Half-Life game, possibly Half-Life 3. Valve has not confirmed this.
- When
- October 22, 2026, during a GameSoundCon panel.
- Where
- GameSoundCon, a conference held in Burbank, California.
- Why
- Morasky was discussing Valve’s audio systems and said HLX had its own version of HDR. Why the project is called HLX is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A data string in a Counter-Strike 2 update was reported to resemble HLX.
Valve composer Mike Morasky appeared close to saying HLX in an interview, according to PC Gamer.
Morasky mentioned HLX during a GameSoundCon panel, and co-panelist David Feise reacted.
- Project codename
- HLX
- Valve employee
- Mike Morasky, composer and audio artist
- Panel
- Valve’s Approach to an Open and Flexible Audio Engine
- Conference location
- Burbank, California
- Reported date
- October 22, 2026
5 sources
Valve developer slips up and confirms unannounced Half-Life project
Half-Life 3 Rumors Reignite After Valve Employee Lets Codename Slip
Half-Life 3 re-re-re-confirmed: A Valve dev just said 'HLX' out loud
Why People Think Valve Just Accidentally Confirmed Half-Life 3
With Half-Life 3 release date still unclear, Valve composer mentions HLX game
What people are saying
HLX has its own version, and so on and so forth.
I did?
Good job. You only said 'HLX' once.
Posts on X
We have the first mention of HLX by a Valve employee. HLX files today. I'm working as quickly as I can.