Key members of Hopoo Games, creators of the acclaimed Risk of Rain series, including co-founders Duncan Drummond and Paul Morse, have joined Valve. This significant move has sparked renewed speculation about future Valve projects.

Hopoo Games' Transition to Valve

Project Snail Halted, Studio on Hiatus

Hopoo Games announced on Twitter (X) that several developers, including its co-founders, are transitioning to Valve. This has resulted in a temporary halt to Hopoo Games' current projects, notably the unannounced title "Snail." While the nature of this transition remains unclear – Drummond and Morse's LinkedIn profiles still list them as Hopoo Games co-founders – the studio has confirmed a pause in development on "Snail." The announcement concluded with a playful "sleep tight, Hopoo Games," indicating a temporary cessation of operations.

Despite the move, Hopoo Games expressed gratitude for its decade-long partnership with Valve and excitement about contributing to future Valve titles.

Founded in 2012, Hopoo Games achieved success with the original Risk of Rain and its critically acclaimed sequel, Risk of Rain 2. In 2022, they sold the Risk of Rain IP to Gearbox Software, which continues to develop the franchise. Drummond voiced his confidence in Gearbox's stewardship of the series, expressing a positive outlook on their future direction.

Valve's Deadlock and the Persistent Half-Life 3 Rumors

While the specifics of Hopoo Games' involvement at Valve remain undisclosed, the timing coincides with Valve's ongoing Deadlock early access and persistent rumors surrounding a potential Half-Life 3. The recent, albeit quickly removed, mention of a "Project White Sands" in a voice actor's portfolio has fueled speculation among fans. Eurogamer noted that the "White Sands" reference, potentially linked to the New Mexico location of Black Mesa (featured prominently in the Half-Life series and its fan remake), has ignited renewed hope for a Half-Life 3 announcement. The connection between Hopoo Games' move and these rumors has yet to be confirmed, but the timing certainly adds fuel to the fire.