Half-Life 3 Speculations Spark Again as Risk of Rain Original Devs Join Valve's Game Dev Team

Several 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's game development team. This move has sent ripples through the gaming community, particularly given Hopoo Games' announcement of an indefinite hiatus and the shelving of their upcoming project, "Snail."

Hopoo Games' Transition to Valve

The news, shared via X (formerly Twitter), signals a significant shift for Hopoo Games. While the exact nature of their involvement with Valve remains undisclosed, the co-founders' continued roles at Hopoo Games, as indicated on LinkedIn, suggest a potential collaboration rather than a complete acquisition. The studio expressed gratitude for their decade-long partnership with Valve and excitement for contributing to future Valve titles. However, the "Snail" project is officially on hold.

Hopoo Games, established in 2012, rose to prominence with the original Risk of Rain and its successful sequel. Following the sale of the Risk of Rain IP to Gearbox in 2022, Drummond expressed confidence in Gearbox's continued development of the franchise.

Valve's Current Projects and the Half-Life 3 Speculation

While Valve hasn't confirmed Hopoo Games' specific assignment, their involvement adds fuel to the persistent rumors surrounding Half-Life 3. Valve's current focus, the hero shooter Deadlock, remains in early access. The recent (and subsequently removed) mention of a "Project White Sands" in a voice actor's portfolio has ignited fervent speculation among fans, connecting "White Sands" to the long-awaited sequel due to its potential link to the Black Mesa Research Facility featured in the original Half-Life.

Eurogamer and other gaming news outlets have highlighted fan theories, suggesting a possible connection between "White Sands," New Mexico, and the location of the Black Mesa Research Facility, further fueling the Half-Life 3 hype. The arrival of experienced developers from Hopoo Games only intensifies the anticipation surrounding this highly anticipated project.