This is an interesting take, especially coming from a non-gaming focused tech website like Ars Technica. I feel like it’s been too long since people were truly hyped about half life 3 though, and this wouldn’t be enough, even if Valve did go through with it.
People are increasingly unhappy with windows though, and the EoL of windows 10 may push people to Linux anyways.
There are grown ass adults born after the last main story Half-life game.
While I have no doubt there would be some hype for a Half-life 3, I don’t think it would be the firestarter this author is thinking.