Half-Life 2: Episode Three isn't quite on the table yet, though do now have the basics of the new episode mapped out, with marketing boss Doug Lombardi stating that it is unlikely the game will return to City 17.

UK site Eurogamer.net unturfed the latest on the episode on a visit to the developer stateside, probing on what gamers can expect from the third title. "Pre-production is definitely going, and it'll be ramping up rather quickly now that they're ramping down on Episode Two," Lombardi revealed.

Lombardi added that a small team are already beginning work on Episode Three, though they're presently splitting their time between the two installments. Episode Two is due out in October.

The developer refused to confirm rumours that number three might include an Arctic research station battle, though reports suggest Valve are certainly up to something, speaking of 'climate' and other new factors receiving attention. Lombardi also stated "I don't think you'll head back to City 17, for sure," adding, "Not in Episode Three, anyway."

More soon.

By Luke Guttridge