Valve composer and audio artist Mike Morasky accidentally mentioned the rumoured Half-Life codename HLX during a conference panel, reigniting speculation about a new entry in the long-dormant series.
The slip-up took place during a panel at GameSoundCon dedicated to 'Valve's approach to an open and flexible audio engine'. In response to a question about managing the number of sounds that can play at once, Morasky brought up Valve's HDR system.
'Deadlock has their own version of HDR,' Morasky said. 'HLX has its own version, and so on and so forth.'
What Is HLX?
References to HLX first appeared in a Counter-Strike 2 update, and gained traction because it shares some resemblance to HLVR, the codename for Half-Life: Alyx. While it's unclear if HLX relates to Half-Life 3 specifically, or another Half-Life project, it is the most concrete piece of evidence that a new entry is in development at Valve.
The fact it has now been mentioned by a Valve employee only solidifies that HLX is a project that definitely exists.
Panel Reaction and History
At the event, Morasky's co-panellist, David Feise, turned to him following the HLX mention and appeared to whisper 'nice work' in response, indicating it was something Morasky should not have said.
Later, at the end of the panel, Feise leaned in to Morasky and, in a moment picked up by the mics over the applause, said: 'Good job, you only said HLX once.' This appears to be a reference to Morasky's previous slip-ups, where he almost mentioned HLX in 2025.
What's Next?
Aside from knowing what HLX actually is, the big question is when it could be announced. The Steam Machine launched in June this year, priced at £879, but Valve has been quiet when it comes to its future games. Deadlock, the company's next online shooter, has been in the closed beta phase for the past two years.
Valve usually operates by its own rules, but The Game Awards are around the corner on December 10, 2026.
