Half-Life 3 HLX: Valve Dev Mentions Codename at GameSoundCon
By Indie Kings | October 25, 2026
Updated October 25, 2026: Valve designer Mike Morasky mentioned the HLX codename at GameSoundCon 2026, and Valve insiders claim the next Half-Life is playable end to end and not a VR project.
Image: Half-Life logo via Wikimedia Commons.
The HLX mention
Mike Morasky, a Valve music designer, referred to HLX during a panel at GameSoundCon 2026, per VideoGameChronicles. Specifically, Morasky said Deadlock has its own version of HDR, and HLX has its own as well. That is the first direct reference from a Valve developer to the franchise next installment after 25 years.
What insiders say
Per VideoGameChronicles, industry insiders report that the game is further along than a technical demo. Valve insider Tyler McVicker claims test players were able to play through the whole game last summer and that the team is now polishing it. McVicker also states that it is not a VR game and targets traditional PC and consoles. What Valve has not done is official confirmation.
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Codename | HLX |
| Mentioned by | Mike Morasky, Valve music designer |
| Where | GameSoundCon 2026 panel |
| Status | Playable end to end per insiders; still unconfirmed officially |
| Format | Not VR, per Tyler McVicker |
| Reference | First Valve dev mention in 25 years |
FAQ
What is HLX?
The codename industry insiders say Valve is using for its next Half-Life project.
Who mentioned HLX?
Mike Morasky, Valve music designer, at GameSoundCon 2026.
Is Half-Life 3 officially announced?
No, Valve has not announced it.
What do insiders claim?
Per Tyler McVicker, testers played the full game last summer; the team is now polishing.
Is it VR?
No, per Tyler McVicker; it targets traditional PC and consoles.
What did Morasky say about HDR?
He said Deadlock has its own version of HDR, and HLX has its own as well.
Bottom Line
A Valve dev said HLX out loud, which is not confirmation of Half-Life 3 but is about as close as we get from a company preferring to be mysterious. Insiders say it is playable and not VR, which puts fan pressure squarely on Valve to finally show something.
Sources
- handheld.guru: Valve developer mentions HLX, fueling Half-Life 3 rumors after 25 year wait, Oct 23 2026, accessed 25 October 2026
- Source cited: VideoGameChronicles, per handheld.guru
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