With the delay stretching pass the decade mark, the latest discussion among Half Life fans are considering a Half Life 3 that is way beyond the Borealis arc. This isn’t something new. The time difference between Half Life and Half Life 2 was over 20 years.
On the other hand, it seems unlikely to happen as there are too many unanswered questions left at Half Life 2 Episode 2. The only way it could work is if Valve produces a Half Life 2 Episode 3 game. On top of that, there should be a Half Life 3 game as well.
While this is something new and interesting, it only hurts the heart more. The fans realized that as possible as it may sound, they refuse to hope for Half Life 2 Episode 3. After all, it will mean more waiting for them.