Speculations Swirl: Valve's New Acquisition Reignites 'Half-Life 3' Buzz

Risk of Rain's Core Developers Join Valve, Sparking Half-Life 3 Speculation

Key members of Hopoo Games, the creators of the acclaimed Risk of Rain series, including co-founders Duncan Drummond and Paul Morse, have joined Valve. This move puts Hopoo Games' projects, including the unannounced "Snail," on indefinite hold.

Hopoo Games' Future Uncertain, "Snail" Project Halted

The transition to Valve was announced via Twitter (X), leaving the future of Hopoo Games somewhat ambiguous. While Drummond and Morse's LinkedIn profiles still list their Hopoo Games roles, the studio confirmed a production pause for "Snail," stating their excitement to contribute to Valve's projects. The announcement concluded cryptically with "sleep tight, Hopoo Games," hinting at the uncertainty surrounding the studio's future.

Hopoo Games, founded in 2012, achieved significant success with the Risk of Rain franchise. Following the 2022 sale of the IP to Gearbox, Hopoo Games' involvement with the series concluded. Drummond expressed confidence in Gearbox's continued development of the Risk of Rain series.

Valve's "Deadlock" and the Persistent Half-Life 3 Rumors

While the specifics of Hopoo Games' contributions to Valve remain undisclosed, the timing coincides with Valve's ongoing "Deadlock" project (currently in early access) and the persistent, re-ignited speculation surrounding Half-Life 3.

Recent rumors, fueled by a now-removed entry in a voice actor's portfolio mentioning a Valve project codenamed "Project White Sands," have intensified fan theories about a potential Half-Life 3. The connection between "White Sands" and Half-Life 3 is speculative, but the location's possible link to Black Mesa, the setting of the original Half-Life, has fueled this speculation. Eurogamer highlighted fan theories connecting the codename to the long-awaited sequel.

The arrival of experienced developers from Hopoo Games at Valve only adds fuel to the already burning fire of Half-Life 3 anticipation. Whether or not they are involved in the rumored project remains to be seen.