The "Left 4 Dead" franchise has been dormant for a while now, but some rumors online are suggesting that this is about to change.

A new rumor that has sprouted online has suggested that "Left 4 Dead 3" is currently on track to be released either in late 2016 or in early 2017 and that the game itself is already in development.

Unfortunately, the rumor remains unconfirmed for now, and Valve has done little to suggest that they are actually working on the game.

Still, news of a supposed release date emerging for the game represents a rare bit of news that is actually related to "Left 4 Dead 3."

It's been a long time since fans have heard anything that resembles news regarding the "Left 4 Dead" franchise. 

According to Movie Pilot, the last time anything important happened to the "Left 4 Dead" franchise was back in 2012 when the "Cold Stream" downloadable content (DLC) was released for the second game in the series. Since then, it's been most quiet on that front, with fans starved for anything new that they can sink their teeth into.

It's also unclear just how realistic a third game in the franchise is at this point given the time that has elapsed.

"Left 4 Dead 2" was released six years ago, meaning that if the 2016/2017 rumors are true, then that would mean that it would be at least seven years in between releases, which would be quite the period of being dormant for a gaming franchise.

Another potential stumbling block for "Left 4 Dead 3" is the fact that the franchise's original creators, Turtle Rock Studios, have left Valve and have indicated that they will not be making any new game for the series, according to Cinema Blend.

Losing the game's original creators certainly hurts the franchise, although in theory, Valve could take on the project themselves if there proves to be enough interest.