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No Longer Left Hanging: Left 4 Dead Content is Free.

Ryan Fulton — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:25:52 -0600

In a move that is seemingly solely intended to alleviate some of my (mostly) irrational anger towards Gabe Newell, Valve has announced their plans for pricing on both the PC and Xbox formats, free. While it could be, rightfully, argued that the two additional versus mode maps were already paid for in the initial asking price, the freebie pricetag is a welcome sight nontheless. Additionally, they are including a new mode dubbed, "Survival" with 12 maps; it is not known whether these maps are entirely new or simply segmented maps from the four existing campaigns. The new mode is said to be something like an extended siege/assault. Players can look forward to both updates on the same day... at some point in the, hopefully, near future.

Valve Announces Left 4 Dead DLC

Zach Lott — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:37:47 -0600

News has arrived via 1up that Valve has announced that DLC for 360 and PC shooter Left 4 Dead is in the works, offering a new "Survival" mode, two new campaigns for Versus mode, and, if you're a PC gamer, the ability to create custom campaigns with the Source Software Development Kit.

In addition, a Critic's Choice Edition of the game will include the content and will arrive on store shelves around the time of the release. Prices for the content or what to expect from the new mode and campaigns aren't currently available, but we'll keep you updated.

Valve offers "Complete Pack" for $99

Zach Lott — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:05:44 -0600

Valve, not to be outdone by themselves with the incredible value of the Orange Box, has announced that the Valve Complete Pack, which offers just about every title the developer/publisher has ever released, is now available on Steam for the low, low price of $99.

Why is that price so low? Because you're getting a package that would run about $235 if you bought each game separately. It's a great deal if you're interested in exploring Valve's back catalog or if you want to gift it to someone else.

Valve Unleashes Left 4 Dead Intro

Tim Grube — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:18:14 -0500

Valve has released the introduction video for its zombie shooter Left 4 Dead. Left 4 Dead will is expected to hit the Xbox 360 and PC on November 18.

The demo is scheduled for release on November 11. Expect more soon...

Left 4 Dead Demo Coming

Zach Lott — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:37:37 -0500

If the wait for Valve's upcoming zombie-killing FPS Left 4 Dead is driving you crazy, then listen up: Videogamer is reporting that demos for both versions (360, PC) of the game are in the works.

"We will be releasing demos for both the Xbox and for the PC. I don't know what the date is for release on that, though. I think it's going to contain the first part of one of the campaigns. I think it'll probably be Hospital but I'm not sure. That's a decision that Doug Lombardi is making," said Gabe Newell, managing director and co-founder of Valve.

The demo will feature single player and online co-op play and will likely hit shortly before the game is released on November 21. We'll let you know once a date has been set in stone.

Valve Interested In Acquisition

Zach Lott — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:31:13 -0500

Are you a developer-chomping publisher interested in acquiring even more companies? Well, you might want to call Valve, as Doug Lombardi, their VP, mentioned in an interview with Gamasutra that Valve would be "happy to have that conversation" with interested parties even though they are content with being independent.

Valve already has a relationship with EA, who is currently the publisher for Left 4 Dead, and Lombardi said that things are still good between the two companies, which could potentially hamper talks with another publisher.

Valve's acquisition would be huge for any publisher, as Valve's Steam service is currently a mammoth in the PC arena since it's a huge source for digital distribution and online gaming. It'll be interesting to see how how things work out if someone acquires Valve.

Left 4 Dead Headed To PS3?

Zach Lott — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 20:11:01 -0500

If you're bummed that Left 4 Dead hasn't been announced for the PS3, here's an interesting bit for you: Joystiq is reporting that the Official Playstation Magazine's latest issue claims that the game is hitting the PS3 but will be developed by EA instead of Turtle Rock Studios. However, the mag doesn't disclose its source for the information, so you might not want to get too excited until an official confirmation is made.

If true, EA will be under pressure to deliver a strong port, as their PS3 port of the Orange Box angered many PS3 owners because of its numerous bugs, framerate issues, and other technical mishaps. Let's hope that this one turns out better.

E3 2008: Left 4 Dead Screenshots

Aaron Dunlap — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:27:29 -0500

EA has released these new screenshots from Valve's upcoming co-op survival horror shooter, Left 4 Dead, coming to the Xbox 360 and PC.

Launch Gallery: Left 4 Dead E3 2008

(9 images)

The Heavy Up Next For Team Fortress 2 Update

Zach Lott — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:37:06 -0500

With the updates to the Medic and Pyro classes now done, it looks like Valve isn't wasting any time in continuing their renovations of Team Fortress 2's classes, as they've posted on the official TF2 blog that the Heavy is next in line.

The blog post reveals details about how Valve is approaching the Heavy update, with their main goal being to make the class "more viable when he has no Medic to pair with." Their design plan displays a desire to balance the augmented Heavy with the other classes while still making him more fun to play.

Hit up the link to read more about Valve's design process.

Left 4 Dead Coming On November 4

Zach Lott — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:58:09 -0500

After enduring numerous delays, Left 4 Dead, the survival-horror FPS from Valve's Turtle Rock Studios, is finally coming on November 4, according to Big Download.

Left 4 Dead is built around four-player co-op in which gamers fight off hordes of zombies throughout several scenarios while also having the chance to play as zombie bosses. The game also features an A.I. "director" that changes the spawn points for enemy zombies with each play-through and controls the flow of the action.

You'll be able to pick it up on the Xbox 360 and PC.

Valve Launches Team Fortress 2 Blog

Zach Lott — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:09:32 -0500

Whether it be through free game weekends, comical trailers introducing each player class, or the constant stream of new maps, weapons, and achievements, Valve has done an absolutely fantastic job of supporting Team Fortress 2 months after its release. Now it looks like they're ready to start speaking directly to the player base, as they've launched an official TF2 blog.

While there isn't much there at the moment, the introductory post promises that Valve will provide a "variety of interesting things to read," including gameplay details and unreleased concept art. Another post includes information on the designing and implementation of the Pyro's recently added flare gun. Be sure to check it out and be on the look out for future updates.

Team Fortress 2 Sniper Video

Tim Grube — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:40:00 -0500

The achievements details for the Sniper class will debut tomorrow, June 18. But for now, Valve released a trailer teasing you for the next 24 hours! Peep it below!

Valve Tweaks Team Fortress 2

Shiva Stella — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:22:17 -0600

News of Valve releasing an update for its popular Team Fortress 2 is hitting the Web, and if you're interested in what gameplay tweaks have been made you can view them below or at the link.

Added new option for medigun beam to the Multiplayer-Advanced dialog. If on, the medigun beam will stay attached to the current target without the need to hold down the fire button
Added new option for the sniper rifle to the Multiplayer-Advanced dialog. If disabled, the sniper rifle won't re-zoom after firing a zoomed shot
Added "nextlevel" server cvar. If set to a valid map name, server will change to that map during the next changelevel
Fixed PerfUI being used as a type of wall-hack on servers without sv_cheats set to 1
Reduced Granary spawn advantage for capping the middle point
Fixed players turning into "Scout" model after lagouts (and a variety of related issues, such as disappearing doors)
Fixed obscure crash related to resolution changing
Gave machinima creators access to "tf_testvcd" and "tf_testrr"commands for playing scenes on characters
SDK Launcher now has a drop list of engine versions in addition to a drop list of games/mods. This eliminates the need to specify engine version as a launch option

Valve Acquires Turtle Rock Studios

Solomon Lee — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:50:29 -0600

Valve has announced they have acquired Turtle Rock Studios, the developer behind the survival horror title, Left 4 Dead. The developer had previously partnered with Valve in crafting several maps for Counter-Strike: Source and assisted them in the production of the FPS title, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero.

"Left 4 Dead fills a long-standing demand gamers have had for a coop first-person action experience, and it will also help Valve's expansion into the console market," added Doug Lombardi, Valve's VP of marketing.

Left 4 Dead is scheduled for 2008 release for the PC and Xbox 360.

Valve Invites Gamers to Suggest Improvements for Orange Box

Shiva Stella — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:25:50 -0600

In more interesting Valve news (Valve being one of the few developing houses who actually seems to care about what its fans think of its games), the company has invited Orange Box owners to suggest "changes and tweaks" in this forum post.

If you've played through Orange Box (which received GameBump's Game of the Year 2007 award) and had some ideas for improvements, now is the perfect time to let Valve know.

SEGA Signs Deal To Release Games Via Steam

Aaron Dunlap — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:20:00 -0600

SEGA has signed whatever documents are required to release games via Valve's PC-based Steam internet delivery system worldwide. This may come as a surprise to people like me who did not know that SEGA makes PC games.

They do, apparently, and two of their upcoming Holiday releases will be hitting Steam's virtual, steamy shelves this December: Universe at War: Earth Assault and The Golden Compass.