So some references to an Alyx EP3 model and some other stuff outright referencing Source 2 inside of the SFM files was found:
Line 49 (Alyx Model):
Line 76 (Source 2):
Seems like this is happening every couple of months. Nothing to get too excited over but still interesting. So if Source 2 stuff is inside of SFM, maybe they were working on some kind of trailer or other footage? Yeah, I didn’t think so either.
I hate something like this. Valve should just tell us.
Nonetheless, if there really is Source 2 and maybe supports DX11 that will be damn interesting.
The Valve “trolling” has gone a bit too far for HL3. Throw an ARG already or something like that.
I’m pretty sure old Gabey insists that Source will never be replace, just modified for ever. I could find countless references, but here’s just a few:
https://www.develop-online.net/news/37672/Valve-No-existing-plan-for-Source-Engine-2
(read the first paragraph) https://https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Source_engine.
So what is this on about? Source 2? The EP3 thing is hardly surprising, and reassuring. Well, they would have been making models for it before they’d finished episode 2, if episode 2 itself is anything to go by. Good to see that valve have hinted at it again. But source 2? Gabe, you lie? Why you lie? Are you lie?
The first source is from early 2011, maybe they began making plans in late 2011 or early 2012.
If there really is going to be a ‘Source 2’ at some point, I don’t think the changes are going to be considerable. Gabe said that, while Valve plans to maintain the same engine, there will come a time in the future where it will need to have its foundations altered in order to support more advanced graphics and physics-based improvements. If ‘Source 2’ really is coming in the next few years, I think this is what it will be - not easily distinguishable from Source, but with some fundamental changes which make it more powerful.
Edit: I also think this was interesting to read -
"The EP3 reference from line 49 is also rather interesting. It appears they’re using the Maya model format, which in my opinion lends further credence to the possibility of a new engine (considering the fact that native Maya support on the Source engine is notably painful)… "
How much would you be willing to bet that Source 2 is mostly the same engine as the first?
That would be hilarious.
I wish 
Source 2 could perfectly be real because we know Valve can count to it.
I think we can assume that what’s been taking so long is actually Source 2. They’re probably aiming for how great looking/playing HL2 was back in 2004. And they were probably working on how to get it to run on average PC specs and generation 7 consoles. Making an engine always takes the longest. Yes, HL2’s story took a few years, but they definitely spent more time on the tech behind it. Like physics, animation, HDR (though that didn’t release until EP1), etc. If it isn’t a new engine, it’s definitely a heavily rewritten one.
Though, it does make me wonder, will all of the other games be updated to Source 2? It’s happened in the past. One game I know for sure will probably receive an update (probably not immediately) is TF2/DOTA 2. They’re pretty much a service now to regular players. So Valve will likely have to restructure those games.
Well there may be a glimmer of hope on the 16th as Geoff Keighley has an entire episode of GTTV at Valve. Surely the entire episode can’t be about CSGO/Dota2 and Gabe Harpooning Sharks :fffuuu:
I might add that your sig is win.
Well thank you
Here’s hoping for 100% deferred pipeline and automatic occlusion/ view culling for noooooooo compiling time ever.
They may be using Source 2 as a codename for the next build of the engine, which could have major improvements, but in my book, Source 2 came and went a long time ago, back in '06. We’re on Source 6 now. (Portal 2 build)
For those of you wondering about my math, the various iterations of the engine;
HL2/CSS - Source “1”
Ep1 - Source “2”
Orange Box - Source “3”
Left 4 Dead - Source “4”
Swarm/L4D2 - Source “5”
Portal 2 - Source “6”
Wait, make that 7. Forgot about the current MP build CSS and TF2 run off of now.
And yeah, removing the need for VIS in compiles would be awesome. I think RAD is starting to get on its way out with the new lighting systems in CS:GO and projected textures, so without either VIS or RAD, compiles would take literally seconds on even the biggest maps. Not really noticeable at all.
I thought Swarm was a newer (less stable) version of source than Portal 2.
Isn’t Portal 2 running on 2012 now? Or maybe, they just updated to the new Valve video (i.e. the one with the turning head).
I was also thinking, I hope whatever Source 2 is, we can finally get rid of loading screens. They’re sort of becoming obsolete now. I know, that can be a challenge, but still, nothing is quite as immersion breaking, as a good 'ol Valve loading screen am I right?
Agreed 100%. Needs streaming.
It’s even worse when you’re replaying the game and your anticipation sounds like, “I’m about to walk into a loading screen… I’m about to… here I go… loading…”
wait you mean there are loading screens in Black Mesa?
preorder cancelled
Founded in 2004, Leakfree.org became one of the first online communities dedicated to Valve’s Source engine development. It is more famously known for the formation of Black Mesa: Source under the 'Leakfree Modification Team' handle in September 2004.