Logical theory: Half-Life 3 is ready for announcement and release, but Valve is not introducing the game due to … memory chips
The largest gaming show The Game Awards 2025 took place, where many wanted to see the debut trailer for Half-Life 3, but it did not happen. Insiders and data miners have been predicting the "imminent announcement" of the long-awaited shooter for several years, although Valve has never confirmed that it is working on it.
Insider Gaming journalist Mike Straw was one of those who Inside: Half-Life 3 may become the launch game for Steam Machine and release in March 2026 (but definitely not at TGA) and he now puts forward his own version of why the game has not been presented yet.
What is known
On the Insider Gaming Weekly podcast, Straw suggested that the game is indeed ready for release, but its announcement has not yet sounded due to … a memory shortage.
According to Straw, Half-Life 3 will be the launch game for the hybrid console/PC Steam Machine, which is supposed to be released in early 2026. However, the company has not yet disclosed the cost of the console and, most likely, due to the crisis in the memory chip market, has not yet decided on its optimal price. And until the cost of the Steam Machine is determined, there is no point in announcing Half-Life 3.
At the same time, Mike Straw is confident that the game will be announced in 2026.
Source: Insider Gaming Weekly
