Freshly discovered text files within the latest "Dota 2" update has hinted gameplay details of "Half-Life 3."

Steam Database took to Twitter to report an interesting file named "hl3.txt" found inside the "Dota 2: Reborn" patch. There were also misplaced text files that suggested the long-awaited sequel to 2004's "Half-Life 2" will feature zip lines, virtual reality support and more.

According to IGN, noteworthy takeaways from the massive code dump include the following:

  • Ziplines
  • "VR Chaperone" and "VR Movement," indicating the game will be compatible with Valve's "Lighthouse" virtual reality input system as well as with the HTC Vive virtual reality head-mounted display.
  • NPCs (non-playable characters) in the same squad will share information about enemies and will take turns attacking and covering for one another.
  • "Quest Citizens" that lets citizens team up with the player but not totally obey the player's commands to move the squad. The player can draw out a concept that citizens can follow accordingly instead of obeying the player's every order.
  • "Combine Pulse Ceiling Turret"

Furthermore, there is also "string m_HelpText," which disallows friendly NPCs from interrupting each other's dialogue. When a friendly NPC is speaking for a long time on a monitor, it can let other friendly NPCs talk by not grabbing the semaphore when it speaks, as per Game Informer.

Put in mind the text files don't' actually carry the words "half" or "life." The "zipline" mentioned is also a vague reference. It could mean a literal gameplay feature or just a software tool that Valve uses.

Fans believing the game could still happen should take this news with a grain of salt, given the long-awaited sequel's debilitating track record of fan pranks and false hopes. At any rate, it is safe to assume that this current fuss regarding "Half-Life 3" is assuming a lot from the mere "hl3" abbreviation found within the "Dota 2" patch.

It's worth remembering, though, that back in March 2015, HTC exec Cher Wong told BBC that the company is developing a "Half-Life" virtual reality game in partnership with Valve, only to retract her statement a day later.

"I would like to apologise for any confusion caused when I referred to individual games titles," said Wong.

"In response to a question on specific games, I misspoke when I referred to our working together with Valve on a particular game, when instead I meant our collaboration with Valve on developing next-generation virtual reality experiences for gaming."

"Half-Life 3" has yet to be made official. Those wanting to give "Dota 2" a try can freely download the game on Steam.