So with all the buzz around the upcoming Steam Machine, I can't help but wonder: could Valve finally be gearing up to release Half-Life 3 as a launch title? It would be the ultimate system seller and a fitting way to showcase what the new hardware can do.
But even if HL3 does drop with the Steam Machine, here's the next big question: will the 8GB VRAM model be enough to run it at 4K 60fps? Assuming Source 2 gets a major upgrade, and HL3 pushes graphical boundaries, are we looking at ultra settings or just medium/high at that resolution?
Curious what others think: are we finally getting HL3, and will the Steam Machine be ready to handle it in full cinematic glory?
@Brunuu Dude, the rumor mill is running so hot right now, it might melt any moment. Supposedly HL3 is pretty much done and we might get a announcement/Trailer on November 18 (anniversary of OG Half-Life).
Certainly a possibility. Either way, it's not going to sell the machine, in terms of that I have to imagine it will be available on other devices.
As for how a potential release of HL3 would run on the Steam Machine, I can't see it running at 4K60 with ultra settings, if the game is looking to push boundaries graphically. As the DF article says, the RX 7600 akin GPU inside the Steam Machine typically targets 1080p or 1440p, often using upscaling in the more intense releases. As you say, VRAM is also a concern when running at those higher resolutions like 4K.
Thinking about what the Steam Machine is trying to be however, which is a console-like experience, perhaps it actually makes a lot of sense. Consoles rarely look to run at ultra settings, at native 4K60. More often it will be a mix of medium and high, with some low settings. Furthermore, rendering tends to take place in about the 1080p or 1440p range, upscaled to 4K output. This suits the RX 7600 class hardware in the Steam Machine quite well, and makes a lot of sense to fit into that console-like experience that Valve is targeting with the device.
I don't think it will be mainly because it's weird to launch a game when the device people expect to play it on will take time to ship - maybe shortly after launch? New devices always have problems at launch and Valve loves to iterate based on feedback. Theyll want these machines in people hands for a while before they launch HL3.
I would love this to be true, but at this point I can't see HL3 being anything else than a disappointment due to the sheer amount of anticipation that has built over this game over the years. I mean, I'm old enough to remember Duke Nukem Forever...
That said, I'm pretty sure said anticipation only exists in the majority of cases with gamers over about 30, so maybe it'll be fine
@Brunuu One of the hacks at the Steam Machine event asked a Valve guy directly if they had any VR games in development. He didn't dodge the question, he just said "no".
As for HL3, there have been so many leaks I think it's safe to say that it's definitely coming, and launching it with the Steam Machine would make perfect sense.
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Topic: Will Half-Life 3 be launch title for the Steam Machine?
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