Valve Developer Publicly References Internal Half Life Project Code Named HLX During Audio Conference Panel
Valve composer and audio artist Mike Morasky publicly referenced an internal project code-named "HLX" during an industry conference panel. While discussing audio technology, Morasky mentioned that Deadlock and HLX each use their own versions of high dynamic range audio systems.
Valve composer and audio artist Mike Morasky publicly referenced an internal project code-named "HLX" during an industry conference panel. While discussing audio technology, Morasky mentioned that Deadlock and HLX each use their own versions of high dynamic range audio systems. The slip-up occurred at GameSoundCon, an event focused on game audio technology, and was captured in a Vimeo clip.
"HLX" has long been reported as the internal code name for Valve's next Half-Life project. Although the codename has appeared in Valve engine code since at least 2024, this marks the first time a company employee has referenced it in public. Until now, fans hoping for a follow-up to Half-Life 2 had never received an official confirmation from inside Valve that a new project was actively in development.
Morasky previously had a close call during an interview last year, but that instance also lacked explicit acknowledgement.
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Original publication: 23 October 2026 22:05
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