A Valve developer has publicly mentioned 'HLX', widely rumored to be the internal codename for 'Half-Life 3'. This marks the first time the name—previously discussed only through game file datamining and insider claims—has been uttered in public by a Valve employee.
Valve composer Mike Morasky mentioned HLX while introducing Valve's audio engine during a panel at GameSoundCon 2026, a game audio conference held in Burbank, California, on October 21 local time. Answering a question about HDR audio systems and voice count management, Morasky noted, "'Deadlock' has its own version of HDR, and HLX has its own version."
The reaction of his co-panelist drew even more attention. Sound designer David Feise, sitting next to Morasky, was heard whispering "nice work" right after the comment, and near the end of the panel, he joked that it was a good thing Morasky only said HLX once. The clip first gained traction on the r/HalfLife subreddit before going viral after being shared by Tyler McVicker, a reporter who regularly covers Valve news.
References to HLX have been discovered in Valve game files for several years, leading fans to speculate that it is the codename for Half-Life 3. The development codename for 'Half-Life: Alyx', released in 2020, also began with 'HL' as 'HLVR'. Last year, McVicker claimed that HLX was playable from start to finish, though his prediction of a release last year did not materialize.
Fans are quick to react to even the smallest clue because the gap has been so long. 'Half-Life 2: Episode Two', the last main numbered entry in the series, was released in 2007—19 years ago. Morasky's comment at least confirms that a project codenamed HLX is actively underway inside Valve with its own dedicated audio configuration.
However, there is still no definitive proof that HLX is indeed Half-Life 3. The panel exchange only confirms that HLX is an internal project utilizing a dedicated audio setup; its genre, target platforms, and release timeline remain completely unknown.
Valve has not issued an official statement regarding the remark or Half-Life 3.
