'Left 4 Dead 3' release date, gameplay news: Game secretly in development; release to happen in 2017?

"Left 4 Dead 3" rumors continue to make the rounds even though developer Valve hasn't said anything official about the game. However, fans strongly believe that the game is secretly in development and a release will happen soon in the future.

Fans hold on to hope that the horror survival game will release its third installment since there have been signs suggesting that it is the case. For instance, there was a recent leaked photo hinting that the game is in development. The photo was shared over at ValveTime forum site; it was supposed to be a series of photo detailing instructions for development tools.

The photos came from Valve artist Tristan Reidford and in the photo, the folder "left4dead3" was spotted. The photo was immediately replaced with another photo that removed the said folder, but it was too late since people can be quick enough to grab a screenshot as evidence. Although this fueled long-standing rumors of the game's development, readers should take this with a pinch of salt since Valve has not explicitly confirmed that they are indeed working on the game. This could also be just a hoax; then again, it is also possible that it's Valve's way of teasing the game to fans.

It remains to be seen if Valve will indeed release a sequel to "Left 4 Dead 2," but fans are taking the leaks as a sign. There are also reports claiming that the game will be out by 2017. If this rumor proves to be true, "Left 4 Dead 3" is expected to have more improved gameplay settings, newer maps, new characters and a fresh set of campaigns.

Express previously noted that the game will feature six new campaigns and four new characters – Katherine, Keenan, Garrett Jr. and Irvin. Although this should be taken as substantial updates about the long-rumored sequel, fans should not that the publication didn't mention its sources.