'Half-Life 3' release date updates: Next installment with new storyline, Kraken Base, Arctic terrain to debut in 2018?

Now that the original "Half-Life" is nearly two decades old and almost 12 years have passed since "Half-Life 2" was released, fans of the first-person shooter video game series are beginning to feel that a new installment is long overdue.

"Half-Life," the first video game in the Valve franchise, was launched for Microsoft Windows back in 1998 and has since sold millions of copies and gained a massive fanbase. Its sequel, "Half-Life 2," was released in 2004 and won numerous Game of the Year awards.

With the commercial and critical success of the "Half-Life" franchise, it seems inevitable that Valve, its developer and publisher, would want to continue the series. Unfortunately, the studio has been remarkably quiet about a possible "Half-Life 3."

Neurogadget suggests that Valve may be having trouble coming up with a good concept for "Half-Life 3." There are also rumors that members of the "Half-Life" team are unhappy with the way the series has veered away from its roots.

Despite the radio silence from Valve about the future of the "Half-Life" franchise, rumors abound about a possible "Half-Life 3."

Various sources report that the next installment will come loaded with numerous new features, including a Kraken Base, which Neurogadget says was supposed to be included in "Half-Life 2."

The website also notes that the storyline of "Half-Life 3" will revolve around Dr. Mossman. The goal of the game will be to rescue Dr. Freeman as Kraken Base disintegrates. According to Mobipicker, Dr. Freeman will follow the sound of bells to a secret base hidden in the Arctic.

Game N Guide suggests that "Half-Life 3" could be launched in 2018 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the first "Half-Life" video game.

Valve has not released any official updates about a possible "Half-Life 3."