It looks like the first major evidence on Half Life 3 or Half Life 2: Episode 3 just got very real. A large quantity of concept images have been revealed for the upcoming game and some new evidence seems to confirm that the images are infact Valve’s own designs.

If you have already seen the images, you’ll know that there is a lot of debate going on right now as to whether the images, although they look very authentic, are actually just elaborate photoshops. When we first saw them ourselves, we too had doubts given the length that some crazed fans would go to.

However, we’ve spotted over on the Steam boards that a few Valve moderators simply can’t hide their excitement on the concept images, with two specifically confirming that the images are real. The images, featuring Alyx wearing Eli’s jacket can be seen in their entirety over at the ValveTime Facebook page – so no signs of any Valve takedown yet.

After the images were revealed, Valve moderator ‘Smash’ posted in this thread that ‘this is official art’ and that he is ‘shocked that this day has come.’ When asked to prove why he thinks it’s official art, he then went on to say because he knows the source who leaked the concept art, but isn’t willing to disclose due to ‘exclusivity reasons’.

Later on, another Valve moderator by the name of ‘Sierra Oscar’ decided to chime in on the same thread, again confirming that the images are real and pondered whether Valve will now officially come out and comment on the images. Just to point out to you, if the images are real, remember that they were designed back in 2008 and may not be an accurate look at how Half Life 3 or HL2: Episode 3 looks at the moment in its current state.

After a drought in HL3 rumors though – this is exciting isn’t it folks? Let’s hope Valve do decide to comment on them. Take a look at the full gallery and give us your thoughts on them.