Dbrand teases Half-Life 3 during Steam Machine Portal Companion Cube video

Hopes for a Half-Life 3 release date to coincide with the Steam Machine launch had dwindled. However, dbrand reignited speculation in an advertisement for its Weighted Companion Cube. During a video promoting the Portal-themed mini PC accessory, a logo for the unannounced shooter surfaced.

What the dbrand trailer showed

Dbrand seems to have a licensing deal with Valve for its new custom enclosure and skins. At the end of the YouTube video, viewers were stunned to see the franchise's famous lambda symbol. Along with the number 3, “Beta v3.14” appears, which is the approximation for Pi.

On social media, gamers like Rino noted how the manufacturer often trolls its supporters. Yet its affiliation with Gabe Newell's company led some fans to believe that it was an unintentional leak. Adding to the mystery, on June 26th, the Weighted Companion Cube video was suddenly made private.

The consensus is still that the Half-Life 3 release date, or even reveal, could be months, if not longer, away. When Valve announced the Steam Machine price and pre-orders on June 22nd, it made no mention of the game. Late in 2025, insiders had theorized that it would serve as a launch title for the mini PC.

How far away is the next Half-Life game?

Despite anticipation for Half-Life 3 news, its developers haven’t even confirmed the project’s existence. Regardless, datamines for other Valve games like Dota 2 and Portal have regularly found “HLX” in their code. Most recently, programmers poked fun at the investigators by embedding a variable called “m_bHackWhyAreYouGuysReadingOurVariableNames.”

Based on past leaks, HLX is likely the next mainline entry in the sci-fi shooter series. Unlike the 2020 Alyx, it’s expected to be a non-VR experience, potentially optimized for Steam Machine specs. Detectives have also uncovered references to destructible physics and advanced NPC AI.

Dbrand hasn’t explained the significance of the Half-Life 3 cameo in the Companion Cube video. It may be wishful thinking, but Valve could have a surprise in store for gamers when Steam Machine shipments begin. Given the criticism over the system’s price and middling performance, it would win over some skeptical buyers.