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Valve developer mentions HLX codename during audio conference
During a technical panel at GameSoundCon in Burbank, California, Valve composer Mike Morasky inadvertently mentioned “HLX” while discussing audio engine implementations. While explaining High Dynamic Range (HDR) audio systems, Morasky noted that the game Deadlock has its own HDR version and stated, “HLX has its own version, and so on and so forth.”
The mention of HLX—a codename long suspected by the gaming community to refer to a potential Half-Life 3—immediately drew attention from attendees and fellow panelists. Sound designer David Feise was heard whispering “nice work” to Morasky following the slip-up and later joked that it was fortunate Morasky only said the name once.
While HLX has appeared in datamined files for several years, this marks the first time a Valve employee has uttered the codename in a public forum. The comment confirms that HLX is an active internal project with its own dedicated audio pipeline, though Valve has not officially confirmed if the project is a new installment in the Half-Life series.
Entities
Carlye Nyte · David Feise · GameSoundCon · GameSoundCon · Half-Life · Mike Morasky · Valve
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Morasky compared the HDR systems of Deadlock and HLX. www.hobbyconsolas.com · mp1st.com · www.gamesradar.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mike Morasky mentioned HLX during a panel at GameSoundCon 2026. mp1st.com · www.xboxdynasty.de · www.gamesradar.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] David Feise responded to the mention with the words 'nice work'. www.hobbyconsolas.com · mp1st.com · www.xboxdynasty.de · www.gamesradar.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Morasky previously made a similar slip in a 2023 interview regarding Half-Life games. mp1st.com · www.gamesradar.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] HLX is a rumored code name for a new Half-Life game. www.hobbyconsolas.com · mp1st.com · www.xboxdynasty.de · www.gamesradar.com