Half-Life 3 Rumors Reignite with Valve Team Acquisition

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 significant move has placed Hopoo Games' current projects, including the unannounced title "Snail," on indefinite hold.

Hopoo Games' Transition to Valve

The announcement, made via Twitter (now X), reveals a shift in Hopoo Games' trajectory. While the nature of their involvement with Valve remains undisclosed, the co-founders' LinkedIn profiles suggest their roles at Hopoo Games are ongoing. The studio expressed gratitude for its decade-long partnership with Valve and excitement for contributing to their future projects. However, this collaboration necessitates a pause on "Snail's" development.

Risk of Rain's Future and Speculation

Hopoo Games, established in 2012, achieved prominence with the Risk of Rain franchise. Following the 2022 sale of the IP to Gearbox, the series continues its development, with the recent release of the Risk of Rain 2: Seekers of the Storm DLC. Despite some criticism surrounding the DLC, Drummond voiced confidence in Gearbox's direction for the series.

Valve's Projects and the Half-Life 3 Whispers

While the specifics of Hopoo Games' contribution to Valve remain confidential, their arrival coincides with Valve's ongoing work on Deadlock, a hero shooter currently in early access. This, coupled with persistent rumors of a potential Half-Life 3 project, has ignited considerable fan speculation.

Recent updates to a voice actor's portfolio briefly mentioned a "Project White Sands" linked to Valve, fueling these theories. Although quickly removed, this detail, along with the connection to Black Mesa (a location prominent in the Half-Life series and its remake), has further intensified anticipation for a potential Half-Life 3 announcement. The timing of Hopoo Games' move adds fuel to the fire, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further information.