We are not including Half-Life 3 in the title because we doubt that Gabe Newell and his company will ever release a game with that number.

Valve’s HLX project, rumored to be Half-Life 3, is undergoing optimization, suggesting the project is in full swing. Tyler McVicker discusses this in the video below. He has provided accurate information about Valve’s projects for years, even before official announcements. McVicker reviews the new features added to the Source 2 engine in the October 15 update to Counter-Strike 2. Unlike previous updates, which introduced systems and features not used in other games running on Valve’s technology, the latest update focuses on optimization and refinement. It introduces an automated process for cleaning up system resources and makes modifications to the sound and fluid simulation systems.

The new Counter-Strike 2 update has fewer new features for HLX than previous updates, but some are interesting. For example, there is an expanded damage group system that considers enemy models other than humanoid ones and an asynchronous particle simulation system that calculates how particles interact with simulated wind speed. This allows wind speed to control how particles react on a case-by-case basis.

The most significant new feature and the one that has sparked the most debate in the community is the introduction of a new icon representing a new toolset called “Science.” McVicker speculates that this does not bode well for HLX because, based on previous updates, the game is clearly in a refinement phase in which no new tools are added. This is usually the final phase of development, but it could take Valve years to complete, so there is no indication that the game’s release is imminent.

However, something may be in the works, and the game’s release may not be far off. Rumor has it that they are working on a trailer for HLX. If Valve’s marketing and release of Half-Life: Alyx is any indication, the game may be released shortly after the announcement. McVicker speculates that something may happen in November regarding Half-Life 3 HLX. However, we must treat all possible announcement dates with caution, as previous ones have proven to be incorrect.

That’s why we’re guessing December, when The Game Awards will take place.

Source: Wccftech