When can we expect Half Life 3?

Strictly speaking, the three episodes are Half Life 3. Episode 3 is set to end the current plot arc. It is highly likely that Valve will continue making games in the Half Life universe, but they will probably be removed from HL2's core story, and they may not feature Freeman.

As for the technology, Source 2 may be as good looking as Cry Engine 2, but it probably won't be released for 3 years at the absolute minimum, so I would guess it won't be all that impressive by the time of its release. If there's one thing Valve has learned with Source, it must surely be that a lower tech engine is better for everyone - easily to develop, and it caters to a broader demographic.

It will be a hell of a lot harder to create Half Life 3 then Episode 3.

When you think of the shift from Black Mesa in the first game, to City 17 and its story, characters, mood and geography and realise they will do that with the third, you start to realise how far away it is.

I can't remember how many years HL2 was in development: pretty sure over 4. So expect around 6 years from now.

A good guess would be 2010 - 2011. Latest 2012.

Half life episode 3 could already be the opening chapter for HL3, and it could use a very updated version of source, unlike the other 2 episodes

It will be a hell of a lot harder to create Half Life 3 then Episode 3.

When you think of the shift from Black Mesa in the first game, to City 17 and its story, characters, mood and geography and realise they will do that with the third, you start to realise how far away it is.

I can't remember how many years HL2 was in development: pretty sure over 4. So expect around 6 years from now.

hdhdhdhasajkalk

HL3 could have been in parallel development since the release of episodes 1 and 2.

[QUOTE="hdhdhdhasajkalk"]

It will be a hell of a lot harder to create Half Life 3 then Episode 3.

When you think of the shift from Black Mesa in the first game, to City 17 and its story, characters, mood and geography and realise they will do that with the third, you start to realise how far away it is.

I can't remember how many years HL2 was in development: pretty sure over 4. So expect around 6 years from now.

GreaterthanG0d

HL3 could have been in parallel development since the release of episodes 1 and 2.

Very true actually. In fact I would have thought Valve are brainstorming, writing background and drawing concept art right now.

I do disagree about it being in tandem with HL3, or related to it. I think, like with say Far Cry, although Valve do expansions the 3 in the title will give it a whole new setting.