Kinda Funny Games Daily Podcast Summary

Episode: Is Half Life 3 ACTUALLY Happening?
Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Andy, Blessing Adeoye Jr., Dan

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the swirling rumors around a potential Half-Life 3 announcement. The hosts dissect recent leaks, analyze the frenzy surrounding Valve’s new hardware, and consider how past and present signals might finally point to the long-awaited sequel. The team also discusses the withdrawal of a notable indie game from The Game Awards, a groundbreaking new partnership between Epic and Unity, and honors the industry legacy of Rebecca Heineman. Additional news covers upcoming patches, industry business updates, and audience Q&A.

Major Discussion Topics and Insights

1. The Half-Life 3 Hype: Rumor or Reality?

[13:13–24:54]

• Origins of the Hype: Data-mined snippets in Valve titles like Dota 2 reference "HLX"—a possible codename for the next Half-Life. HLX appears to be a single-player, non-VR FPS with recognizable Half-Life elements.
• Valve’s Pattern: Valve often unveils new software alongside hardware launches (e.g., Half-Life: Alyx with the Index). With new hardware (Steam Machine, Steam Frame, Steam Controller) recently revealed, the pattern has fans expectant.
• Anniversary Timing: The rumor mill focuses on November 18 or 19, resonating with previous Half-Life milestones (27 years since original, 5 since HL:Alyx's announcement).
• Geoff Keighley "Clues": Fans speculated after Keighley’s cryptic eye emoji tweets about his Steam wishlist. However, further scrutiny revealed it was a joke—the only wishlisted game was Dadlympics, and not Half-Life 3.
• The Takeaway: While there is a lot of smoke, the hosts caution listeners to be wary of manufactured hype but agree a new Valve game feels likely. Blessing notes, "I would be shocked if Valve didn’t have a software announcement coming up to go alongside their new hardware." ([21:05])

Notable Quote

"I don’t know why the answer would be no at this point. What the hell is the former Campo Santo team working on? There has to have been something, right?"
— Andy [23:22]

2. MegaBunk Withdraws from The Game Awards

[24:56–31:23]

• The Situation: MegaBunk, a game nominated for "Best Debut Indie," withdrew after its developer clarified he was an experienced creator, not a newcomer, and didn’t want to deprive genuine debut creators of recognition.
• Industry Respect: The hosts commend the honesty, noting the unique awkwardness of getting a debut nomination under a new alias.
• Inside Jokes & Industry Quirks: Greg's passionate defense of Vampire Survivors when similar-genre games are mentioned, and debates about genre "purity" among the hosts.

Notable Quote

“It’s such a Curb Your Enthusiasm scenario. Like, 'oh shit, they nominated me, but I’m not, fuck—I made this other game...'”
— Blessing [26:11]

3. Epic and Unity Unite: Fortnite as a Platform

[31:42–39:01]

• Major News: Epic and Unity announce a partnership letting Unity-developed games be published inside Fortnite. Unreal Engine support is also coming to Unity’s platform.
• Industry Impact: This could shift opportunities for devs, especially regarding discoverability among Fortnite’s huge player base. But questions remain about monetization and what sorts of games truly benefit.
• Demographics and Discovery: Dan notes the distinction in demographics spent on Fortnite vs. Steam and how exposure could benefit kid-friendly or casual games.

Notable Quote

"What’s the benefit of putting your indie Unity game out in Fortnite versus just on Epic Games Store or Steam? I guess it’s eyes—it’s a different marketplace, more eyes on it."
— Andy [35:48]

4. Remembering Rebecca Heineman

[45:04–51:27]

• In Memoriam: Interplay co-founder Rebecca Heineman passes away at 62 after a courageous fight with cancer.
• Her Legacy: As the first US national videogame champion (Space Invaders, 1980), a self-taught programmer, and a key figure behind Wasteland, The Bard’s Tale, and ports of out-of-this-world titles, her career spanned multiple studios and influential games.
• Personal Story: Blessing highlights her journey—as a pioneering trans woman in the industry and a prolific technical leader.

Notable Quote

“Quite a life lived in those 62 years.”
— Andy [51:22]

5. Quick News Roundup and Industry Tidbits

News Blasts

[53:09–54:43]

• Ghost of Yotei gets New Game Plus mode November 24.
• Ubisoft to report its delayed earnings this Friday—hosts speculate about potential bad news or buyout activity.
• Mafia: The Old Country adds free roam and more features in its November 20 update.

Audience and Host Banter

[54:43–61:29]

• Dan and Blessing trade jokes about hidden developer secrets and genre debates.
• Reflections on impostor syndrome for devs, and which studios/creators would be funniest as secret MegaBunk devs.
• Ongoing inside jokes about “smoke and flames,” the definition of “indie,” and the quirks of different gaming communities.

Notable Quotes

“We all have that game—when people bring up Journey, I’m like, well, you know… Shadow of the Colossus… did a lot of this.”
— Blessing [28:59]

“If your game costs more than—if it’s pixel art it’s indie; if not, it’s not indie.”
— Dan [65:31]

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Topic | |-----------|---------|-------| | 13:13 | Main News | Why the Internet thinks Half Life 3 is happening | | 24:56 | News | MegaBunk withdraws from The Game Awards | | 31:43 | News | Epic and Unity partnership for Fortnite| | 45:04 | Tribute | Rebecca Heineman’s career and passing | | 53:09 | News | Ghost of Yotei New Game Plus | | 55:20 | News | Ubisoft earnings call speculation | | 56:38 | Quick Hits| Mafia: The Old Country update, other weenews | | 65:07 | Banter | Indie game definitions, audience Q&A |

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “What else could HLX stand for? Hyper Light Zifter? Whole Lotta Ecstasy?”
  — Blessing [13:45]

• “Jeff Keighley responded to the wishlist thing with the eye emojis. Then he followed it up with a screenshot…with only Dadlympics.”
  — Blessing [18:29]

• “Portal 3 over Half-Life 3? I’d sacrifice Half-Life for Portal any day.”
  — Blessing [24:05]

• “The further you get in the game, the charming characters don’t have a lot of depth… I haven’t encountered bugs but gameplay is real fun.”
  — Dan on Demon School [07:17]

• “Cancer. Everyone’s been affected by it… There’s always stories like this. But quite a life lived.”
  — Andy on Rebecca Heineman [51:27]

Tone and Style

The tone, as always with Kinda Funny, is conversational, irreverent, and filled with in-jokes and banter. The hosts combine deep industry knowledge with relatable perspectives as dedicated gamers. The episode is both accessible and expert, balancing humor with heartfelt moments (notably the tribute to Rebecca Heineman).

Summary for New Listeners

If you missed the episode, you’ll get up to speed on why the internet’s all abuzz about Half-Life 3, what’s really going on behind the scenes with Valve, and the latest waves in indie game award drama. The show also spotlights major platform news and pays tribute to a gaming legend, all within a highly entertaining and candid discussion.