"Left 4 Dead" has been dormant since "Left 4 Dead 2" launched in 2009. Rumors of "Left 4 Dead 3" have been rampant ever since, and Valve employee Tristan Reidford released an image that indicates the game could be in development and may launch sometime in 2017.

According to Game N Guide, Reidford was showcasing a tutorial for the new Destinations VR platform on Steam, a new app that allows players to explore real-world and imaginary locations using VR technology. However, fans have noticed that one of the screenshots used in the presentation includes a folder labeled "left4dead3."

It is noted that the image was immediately taken down and has since been replaced with a different one, to ensure that the possible indication of the game's development will remain a secret. The new image no longer showcases the folder or any indications of "Left 4 Dead 3."

Reidford has yet to release any official comment regarding the leaked image and if it is indeed a legitimate indication that the game is in active development. Fans will recall that Valve has remained silent for the past few years regarding any information on "Left 4 Dead 3" and "Half-Life 3," another game that has been in development limbo for the past decade.

Fans speculate that if the game is indeed in the works, then it may launch before the holidays of 2017, particularly now with the launch of numerous VR headsets such as the HTC Vive and PlayStation VR. Reports have also confirmed that J.J. Abrams is still moving forward with a "Portal" movie, further indicating that there is still interest in Valve's video games and not just their Steam platform.

Valve has yet to confirm if the game is in development or if the folder leaked in the image in the tutorial is even a hint that the game exists. As it stands, the notion of a 2017 release is still pure speculations.