GamesRadar - Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2 custom melee weapons detailed (News)

28 Nov 2009

If you're already bored of using the cricket bat, axe, frying pan or electric guitar to fight your way through Left 4 Dead 2, how about smashing zombies with a custom-made sledgehammer?

A mod-maker from the Left 4 Dead Mods community has revealed the possibilities of custom melee weapons in Valve's zombie-slaying survival sequel.

Left 4 Dead 2 Update Released (News)

28 Nov 2009

Valve has released a new update for its co-op zombie shooter Left 4 Dead 2, now available for download.

Left 4 Dead 2 $29.99 on Dell.com (News)

26 Nov 2009

Dell has slashed $20 off Valve's recently released zombie shooter sequel Left 4 Dead 2.

Predictions for gaming's biggest sequels (Feature)

25 Nov 2009

Anticipation is supposedly sweet, but you know what? Instant gratification is a hell of a lot sweeter. Sure, we could sit patiently and wait for official announcements on our favorite franchises. We could avoid assumption, steer clear of speculation and only publish our opinion when it’s unequivocally backed by cold, hard press release fact. That wouldn’t be nearly as much fun, though. ...

Left 4 Dead 2 had "3.5 to 4" times as many pre-orders as L4D (News)

25 Nov 2009

Valve's Doug Lombardi has said that Left 4 Dead 2's pre-order figures "look to be between 3.5 to 4 times the size of L4D1's", contributing some of its success to the bonus baseball bat pre-order incentive.

Steam Update Fixes L4D2 Achievement Issues (News)

25 Nov 2009

Valve has released a new Steam update that addresses achievement issues in Left 4 Dead 2.

Zoey returns in Left 4 Dead 2 mod (News)

23 Nov 2009

Left 4 Dead 2 may have only just been released but it seems some people are already getting nostalgic for the original survivors.

In one of the first mods for Left 4 Dead 2, television production assistant and "new" survivor Rochelle, is replaced by Zoey, the college student from the earlier game.

Left 4 Dead 2 To Get A Sequel (News)

23 Nov 2009

There has been a reliable source giving out information that there will be a Left 4 Dead 3 or some other name.

I can't reveal the source because the domain does not exist anymore. It expired and I have no screen shots, wish I had taken one.

Steam Top 10 Weekly Sales Chart, November 15-21 (News)

22 Nov 2009

Steam has released its top ten sellers list for the week ending on November 21.

Left 4 Dead 2 Update Fixes Matchmaking (News)

22 Nov 2009

Today Valve released the second update for the PC version of Left 4 Dead 2. This patch, downloaded automatically when you start Steam, corrects matchmaking issues and a few other bugs.

First Left 4 Dead 2 Patch Let Into The Wild (News)

22 Nov 2009

In typical Valve-like fashion, the first patch for zombie post-apoc shooter Left 4 Dead 2 has hit Steam only days after the game's release, providing a host of bug fixes and alterations, while generally not introducing any interesting features. We are pleased to see that the game mode selection menu now allows for keyboard input, and bug fixes are always nice to see (although we'd prefer no bugs in the original game at all, this isn't a perfect world). See the entire changelog below.

Left 4 Dead 2 $40 (News)

21 Nov 2009

Newegg.com has the PC version of Left 4 Dead 2 for $39.99 with free shipping.

Left 4 Dead Maps Playable in L4D2 (News)

21 Nov 2009

"If you bought Left 4 Dead 2 on the PC, you might be pleased to hear that some modders have figured out a way to import all of the maps from Left 4 Dead into Left 4 Dead 2, playable with the new infected, new survivors, and the baseball bat."

TalkRadar 78 - Win free stuff! (Feature)

20 Nov 2009

THE INFO BOX
Post date: November 20, 2009
T-Dar 78 length: 2:50:51
Intro song by: Anamanaguchi
Visit TalkRadar on: Twitter | iTunes | TalkRadar Archives ...

[PCGH]Left 4 Dead 2 maxed out - Source Engine on highest quality (News)

20 Nov 2009

As Left 4 Dead 2 is out now, the guys at PCGH collected some really nice screenshots from the Source engine powered game. Probably Valve should hire the screenshot guy as the pictures look better than the PR shots.

Games that were hated before they were released (Feature)

19 Nov 2009

Some games just never stand a chance, do they? Hated on from the moment they’re announced for a variety of reasons, they’re critically stoned by journos and gamers long before anyone lays finger on pad. The following titles all fall into this category of pre-release hatred. Whether they betrayed their series’ heritage, alienated PC gamers or their developer simply shouted his big fat mouth off too much; these games loved ...

Left 4 Dead 2 UK Release Woes (News)

19 Nov 2009

Critical Gamer Writes: Valve have announced on their Left 4 Dead blog that Left 4 Dead 2 will not be playable for most UK players until Friday. Pre-orders already have access to the game, but for everyone else they'll have to wait until the end of the week, even when buying from Steam.

Left 4 Dead 2 DLC already coming? (News)

19 Nov 2009

Gamer Limit writes "It looks like Valve may already be gearing up to announce new content for Left 4 Dead 2, as a site for the band Mightnight Riders who feature in L4D2, have had their own website discovered."

Left 4 Dead 2 Update Released (News)

18 Nov 2009

Valve has released an update for their just released survival FPS Left 4 Dead 2, now available for download.

All Left 4 Dead 2 codes listed for PC (News)

18 Nov 2009

VGB has compiled a list of the console command cheat codes for this epic survival-horror FPS from developer Valve. These codes work on the retail and Steam versions of the PC version.

Left 4 Dead 2 (Review)

17 Nov 2009

Unlike most other shooters, Left 4 Dead hinges on cooperative multiplayer. You and three friends must shoot, tear and slash through an unrelenting mass of raging zombies. From the moment you leave the safe house to the final rescue chopper, you are completely dependent on each other and constantly hunted by special boss zombies that behave with their own aggressive, strategizing intelligence ...

Left 4 Dead 2 - Melee goresplosion (Video)

17 Nov 2009

More maps, more enemies, more weapons, more glorious spectacle than the original, and that’s just the co-op. Fresh versus modes and intense violence make this the apocalypse to beat.

Left 4 Dead 2 - AI WTF? (Video)

17 Nov 2009

More maps, more enemies, more weapons, more glorious spectacle than the original, and that’s just the co-op. Fresh versus modes and intense violence make this the apocalypse to beat.

Left 4 Dead 2 - Oh shit! moments (Video)

17 Nov 2009

More maps, more enemies, more weapons, more glorious spectacle than the original, and that’s just the co-op. Fresh versus modes and intense violence make this the apocalypse to beat.

Left 4 Dead 2 Ships Worldwide (News)

17 Nov 2009

Valve announces today the availability of the much awaited Left 4 Dead 2 at retail stores across North America and worldwide via Steam (which will be available later this week).

Valve: L4D2 boycott was a 'fight inside the family' (News)

16 Nov 2009

Reflecting on the boycott to VideoGamer.com in a recent interview, Valve writer Chet Faliszek said the press "wanted to make it an us versus them".

"But it was more like a fight inside the family," he said. "We have 3.5 million people playing Left 4 Dead 1. 40,000 said something. They are passionate about our games. They play our games. So we always take the feedback seriously, because we're gamers as well, and these are people who are playing our games and will probably play our games with us. So we always want to make sure we're listening and understanding the issues."

Left4Dead 2 - Video of first 2 chapters released (News)

16 Nov 2009

BrutalGamer.com writes:-
Check this madness out for yourself!

Spoilers ahoy on these two videos but Vetro have provided the first two chapters of the upcoming zombie survival shooter from Valve. If you don't want to ruin it for yourself then steer clear otherwise enjoy my friends !

Release dates for AC2 and L4D2 broken (News)

16 Nov 2009

BeefJack writes: "Just last week a few stores in the general "North-Eastern" area of the US was breaking the street dates for Modern Warfare 2, and now Gamestops in Jersey City, New Jersey are breaking street dates for Assassin's Creed 2 and Left 4 Dead 2. This seems more like a trend than coincidence now."

Steam Top 10 Weekly Sales Chart, November 8-14 (News)

16 Nov 2009

Valve has released their weekly top ten sellers list on Steam for the week ending on November 14.

BeefJack: Be a Zombie in Left 4 Dead (News)

15 Nov 2009

As a gamer, you've probably spent countless hours killing the undead. Played Dead Rising or Left 4 Dead? Then you'll know how many you've killed just in that game via their stats counters. That said, have you ever wondered what it's like to be on the other end of that shotgun? Or frying pan? Or chainsaw? Probably not.

Video Game Releases for Week of 11/13 - Assassins, Zombies, & Mario (News)

15 Nov 2009

The holiday game releases kick off in full swing this week as there are a number of titles vying for your dollar. However, New Super Mario Bros Wii, Assassin's Creed 2, and Left 4 Dead 2 are probably the three big hitters across all of the gaming platforms.

This week's new video game releases (week of 11/15/09) (News)

15 Nov 2009

This week brings Assassin's Creed II, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Left 4 Dead 2, and many more anticipated releases. Another PSP-3000 bundle arrives with a very cool Assassin's Creed II Bloodlines entertainment pack. PSP gamers also get the on-the-go version of Little Big Planet. God of War fans prepare to dive into HD with the God of War Collection, which brings HD version of the two original God of War PS2 games (and a God of War III demo!). Wii gamers in North America get the first black colored Wii Remote, Motion Plus and Nunchuk controllers. Capcom's Resident Evil The Darkside Chronicles will be out for the Mature gaming audience on the Wii. The popular Wii workout exergame, EA Sports Active, gets More Workouts. Check out the new releases listed here, also filled with some great games for family gameplay this holiday.

Left 4 Dead 2 First Review by OXM (News)

15 Nov 2009

TMC: Metacritic.com is now listing what seems to be the first review of the highly anticipated apocalyptic zombie shooter Left 4 Dead 2. Even thou the game was criticized when it was shown at last E3 Valve seems to have another winner in their hand with this sequel.

The Official Xbox Magazine gave Left 4 Dead 2 a 9.5/10. Here's what they had to say.

"An undisputable improvement over its predecessor in every way, and it steals its own crown as best co-op game on the Xbox. It's chainsaw-twirlingly good. [Holiday 2009, p.64] "

Xbox 360 Left 4 Dead 2 Leaked to Torrent Sites (News)

14 Nov 2009

The Xbox 360 version of Left 4 Dead 2 has been leaked to torrent sites – a week before the official release date.

Left 4 Dead 2 Demo Update Released (News)

14 Nov 2009

Valve has released a new update for the Left 4 Dead 2 demo, now available on Steam.

How to play Realisim Mode in the L4D Demo (News)

13 Nov 2009

Some folks over at the Official Forums have created a script that simulates Realism Mode in the Left 4 Dead 2 demo!

Valve has teams 'working on other stuff' (News)

12 Nov 2009

Videogamer writes: "Left 4 Dead 2 has gone gold and will be in stores and available via Steam from November 20, but beyond supporting that title, what lies ahead for Valve? More Left 4 Dead? A Portal sequel? What of Half-Life 2: Episode 3?

We recently caught up with Valve writer Chet Faliszek and quizzed him on all the above."

Left 4 Dead 2 To Hit Stores 17 November (News)

12 Nov 2009

IncGamers reports EA has announced Left 4 Dead 2 will be available for pre-purchase now, and will hit stores next Tuesday, 17 November.

New screens also available.

Left 4 Dead 2 Demo Update Released (News)

11 Nov 2009

Valve has released a new update for the Left 4 Dead 2 demo, now available on Steam.

Left 4 Dead 2 Demo Extended To All Xbox LIVE Members (News)

11 Nov 2009

The Left 4 Dead 2 demo access is due to be extended to all Xbox LIVE Xbox LIVE Silver Members early tomorrow morning.

Steam Top 10 Weekly Sales Chart, November 1-7 (News)

9 Nov 2009

Valve has released their weekly top ten sellers list on Steam for the week ending on November 7.

Left 4 Dead 2 Has Begun Pre-Loading (News)

8 Nov 2009

BeefJack writes: "It's getting closer and closer and for those who may just be getting a bit bored of playing through the demo again and again, will no doubt be happy to hear that pre-loading for the full Left 4 Dead 2 experience is now available.

While this is far from playing the actual game it is one step closer, and even still at least you'll be able to play it the instance it's released."

Left 4 Dead 2 Demo Update Released (News)

7 Nov 2009

Valve has released another update for the demo of their survival FPS Left 4 Dead 2, now available on Steam.

TalkRadar 76 - Actually game related! (Feature)

7 Nov 2009

THE INFO BOX
Post date: November 6, 2009
T-Dar 75 length: 2:38:00
Intro song by: Anamanaguchi
Visit TalkRadar on: Twitter | iTunes | TalkRadar Archives ...

Left 4 Dead 2 - Easter eggs and details (Feature)

5 Nov 2009

We’ve been having a great time with the Left 4 Dead 2 demo since it went live for fans who pre-ordered the sequel last week. But it’s time to stop and smell the zombies. Every area has tons of details that are easy to miss when you’re busy bashing brains in with a frying pan. ...

Play as infected in Left 4 Dead 2 demo? Here's how (News)

4 Nov 2009

The Left 4 Dead 2 demo is a great time, but the lack of versus mode play with the new infected is something of a disappointment. You won't have to wait until the game launches on the 15th, however; a clever chap out there has created a plug-in to allow you to play competitive games with the demo, and to try out the new special infected.

Here's what you do:

Left 4 Dead 2 Demo Now Available for All (News)

3 Nov 2009

Valve has announced the open release of the demo for their upcoming survival FPS Left 4 Dead 2, now available for all on Steam.

Steam Client Update Fixes Left 4 Dead 2 Demo Issues (News)

3 Nov 2009

Valve has released a new client update for Steam, now available for download.

TF2 Update Adds Bill's Hat as L4D2 Pre-Order Exclusive Item (News)

3 Nov 2009

Valve has released a new update for Team Fortress 2, now available on Steam. Included is the addition of Bill's hat (from the original L4D), an in-game item exclusive for players who pre-order Left 4 Dead 2.

Does Left 4 Dead 2 Feature Zombie Dogs? (News)

2 Nov 2009

The continued dissection of the Left 4 Dead 2 PC demo turns up a reference to other possible features in the game: three soundfiles entitled "zombiedog_attack."

Steam user McEnvy emailed me that screengrab. (The full size screen is below, showing the directories and other information). Looks legit enough to me. He sounded familiar with the demo and its contents so I have no reason to believe that is fake.

However, as we heard from Chet Faliszek yesterday, other files found in the demo were test files or placeholders, and not content in the game or coming up. These files also could be leftover assets for a feature that Valve ultimately abandoned or removed from the game.

Steam Top 10 Weekly Sales Chart, October 25-31 (News)

1 Nov 2009

Valve has released their weekly top ten sellers list on Steam for the week ending on October 31. For the second week in a row Borderlands topped Left 4 Dead 2 pre-orders along with the rest of the field.

Left 4 Dead 2 Demo Update Released (News)

31 Oct 2009

Valve has released an update for the Left 4 Dead 2 Demo, now available on Steam.

The evolution of videogame zombies (Feature)

31 Oct 2009

As we wrap up another year’s worth of Halloween-themed features, it seems as good a time as any to reflect back on the foot soldiers that make about 99 percent of all horror games possible: Zombies. Whether fallen back on as a lazy crutch for games without a lot of enemies, used artfully as hidden metaphors or even trotted out as heroes, zombies have been a key component in videogames – horror and otherwise – for almost as there's been a game industry ...

Left 4 Dead 2 strongly censored in Australia (News)

30 Oct 2009

The Australian version of Left 4 Dead 2 has been very strongly censored. No gore, limited splatter effects, no decapitation and zombies bodies vanish very quickly after being killed. Uncommon infected also do not spawn in the Australian version of Left 4 Dead 2, anybody joining Australian servers will not see any Uncommon Infected (eg Riot Police) during the game. The changes make the game much tamer than the original Left 4 Dead released last year.

Rumour-mill: PC demo code reveals DLC packs for Left 4 Dead 2? (News)

30 Oct 2009

Strategy Informer:

"Obviously blowing the surprise of possible avatar award goodies wasn't enough, as now determined data mining survivalists have uncovered what appear to be error messages.

These errors appear when gamers don't have Left 4 Dead 2 DLC maps installed, with the code mentioning the 'Miracle Pack' and 'Apocalyptic Pack', and offers to download them."

Left 4 Dead Online Friends Appearing in Sequel, Linking Confirmed? (News)

30 Oct 2009

HellDescent writes: "While playing the Left 4 Dead 2 demo, we noticed that our friends who were playing the original Left 4 Dead were showing up in in the main menu. Now why would players from the original Left 4 Dead have their online status displayed in Left 4 Dead 2? The only thing that comes to mind is the rumor/experimenting with linking the games that was on the web not too long ago. Valve aimed to bring both sides of Left 4 Dead fans together and stated they were attempting to link the 2 games. This little message under "Online Friends" in the main menu of Left 4 Dead 2 gives much the rumor a big tank sized injection of reality. Hopefully this means we wont have to leave Bill, Zoey, Francis and Louise behind. Only Valve and their super big vault of secrets now that answer. For now, we will have to wait a few more weeks to full release."

Left 4 Dead 2 PC pre-order demo now available (News)

29 Oct 2009

TVGB: "Valve sent over word that the PC pre-order demo is now available as well."

L4D2 pre-order demo MIA on Steam (News)

28 Oct 2009

Joystiq.com: "We knew that the pre-loadable Left 4 Dead 2 demo on Steam would send withering waves of madness through the world's populace, but we never considered what would happen if the demo failed to materialize on the promised date. Steam users have been reporting that the demo is still unavailable, and Steam's own events page -- pictured above -- notes that it won't be available until early tomorrow.

The delay seems to only affect Steam users at the moment, as the Xbox version of the demo is currently available on Xbox Live Marketplace for those that have the redemption code. We've contacted Valve regarding the delay and will update this post as soon as we have more information."

The 37 greatest zombie triumphs (Feature)

27 Oct 2009

You don’t have to see or play absolutely everything on this list to be a proper zombie connoisseur, but you should at least know them. These are the genre’s defining relics. Some are responsible for the very creation of the zombie mythos, others adapted and advanced it, while the rest simply encapsulate it so exquisitely that they must be experienced. This may not be everyone’s definitive list of zombie lore ...

Left 4 Dead 2 - TV Spot: #1 (News)

27 Oct 2009

Xbox Evolved writes:

"The first Left 4 Dead 2 television commercial begins airing across North America this week."

Steam Top 10 Weekly Sales Chart, October 18-24 (News)

26 Oct 2009

Valve has released their weekly top ten sellers list on Steam for the week ending on October 24. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 makes its debut on the weight of just two eligible days of pre-orders.

Left 4 Dead 2 Demo Pre-Loading Begins (News)

24 Oct 2009

Want to be able to play the Left 4 Dead 2 demo as soon as it goes live? If you've already purchased your copy of Left 4 Dead 2 through Steam, you can download it starting now.

Counter-Strike weapons invade Left 4 Dead 2 (News)

24 Oct 2009

Valve, being the kind and generous folks they are, will be giving purchasers of the censored German version of Left 4 Dead 2 a 50% chance of having five different Counter-Strike weapons spawn in their game. The weapons aren't simply reskins but rather have their own unique stats. The spawning works the same way the baseball bat pre-order works: if a player with the censored German version joins a game, the entire server will receive the weapons. No word yet on what the Aussies will get. Maybe kangaroos?

Left 4 Dead 2 – dev interview (Preview)

23 Oct 2009

Left 4 Dead 2, Valve’s cooperative zombie shooter, has had to overcome two skeptical parties: the portion of Left 4 Dead players concerned that promised free content for the original game had been replaced with a rushed, full-price sequel, and Valve co-founder Gabe Newell. “Gabe’s got a good amount of healthy skepticism about anything we do,” says Chet Faliszek. ...

Left 4 Dead 2 will not be Uncensored in Australia - Final Decision (News)

22 Oct 2009

YourEMGN Writes: "Bad news for Australian Left 4 Dead 2 fans. The Australian Classification Review Board consisting of 3 members has not changed their minds on the RC (Refused Classification) on the game. This has been said to be the board's final decision. The game will be released, but without all the violence. The game will not contain - depictions of decapitation, dismemberment, wound detail or piles of dead bodies lying about the environment."

Left 4 Dead 2 (Screenshots)

22 Oct 2009

GoGamer Sale Discounts Wolfenstein, ArmA II, Oblivion (News)

19 Oct 2009

GoGamer's latest 48 hour madness sale is on, offering large discounts on over 30 titles. Highlights include Wolfenstein (40% off), ArmA II (44% off), The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (60% off) and 22 other titles for under $6.

Steam Top 10 Weekly Sales Chart, October 11-17 (News)

18 Oct 2009

Valve has released their weekly top ten sellers list on Steam for the week ending on October 17.

Heavy Rain, Brink, L4D2, Army of 2: The 40th Day and more announced - GGTL LIVE at Eurogamer Expo 2009 (News)

17 Oct 2009

Gamer's Guide to Life writes: "A few days ago, you might have seen the news that Bethesda and Splash Damage's Brink would be getting it's first UK presentation at the Eurogamer Expo later this month. Well, if that excited you, wait till you hear about all the other developer sessions and panels which are planned for the Eurogamer Expo this year.

The organisers of the expo have pulled out all the stops to bring attendees to the expo some of the best sessions with some of the best up-and-coming and already-established developers and games specialist companies."

Developer sessions announced for the Eurogamer Expo 2009 include Heavy Rain, Brink, Left for Dead 2 and more.

Start 'em early with the Left 4 Dead mobile (News)

15 Oct 2009

Technabob.......This is how you raise the bitchin'-ist child ever to toddle across a living room floor: give 'em zombies from their first days in the cradle. Come the apocalypse, the kid that slumbers under a Left 4 Dead mobile is gonna be one prepared little zombie hunter. It's either that, or completely immune to the horror of zombies for his or her entire life. I'd say that either way, that's a win.

Left 4 Dead 2: Demo Detailed (News)

15 Oct 2009

Valve today announced details and timing for the demo of its upcoming zombie thriller, Left 4 Dead 2.

The Left 4 Dead 2 demo will feature gameplay taken from "The Parish" campaign, set in the New Orleans French Quarter.

Left 4 Dead 2 boycott ends, leader satisfied with Valve (News)

14 Oct 2009

The leaders of the Left 4 Dead 2 boycott appear to be satisfied with how Valve will be continuing their support of Left 4 Dead and the direction they are taking Left 4 Dead 2. The Left 4 Dead 2 Boycott Steam Community group will be closed on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Left 4 Dead 2 Achievements Reveal New Items, Confirm Campaigns (News)

13 Oct 2009

The list of Xbox 360 Achievements for Left 4 Dead 2 appear to have just "confirmed" the game's two, still-to-be-officially-announced final campaigns and revealed new items, new infected and... clown nose honking?!

The 50 new Achievements, newly listed at Xbox 360 Achievements, don't really venture into spoiler territory-there are no plot points revealed here-but we'll touch on the unrevealed stuff after this, just to appease the sensitive types.

Official: The Five L4D2 Campaigns (News)

12 Oct 2009

Here are the official Left 4 Dead 2 campaigns, very well confirmed by their achievements.

Steam sales chart for the week ending the 10th of October. (News)

11 Oct 2009

Crowbar Error 42 writes "It that time of the week again where we take a look at the top ten selling PC games on Valve's Steam service."

Brand New Left 4 Dead 2 Game Mode Announced - Scavenge (News)

8 Oct 2009

Valve, creator of best-selling game franchises (such as Half-Life and Counter-Strike) and leading technologies (such as Steam and Source), today announced Scavenge, the fourth game mode to be included in its upcoming zombie thriller, Left 4 Dead 2.

Scavenge mode challenges players to compete in round-based games of up to 8 players (Survivors vs. Infected). The Survivors must battle both the Infected and the clock as they collect gas cans to refuel a generator located in each map. Every can the Survivors pour into the generator scores their team a point and adds time to the clock.

Left 4 Dead 2 Scavenge Mode Screens & Gameplay Footage (News)

8 Oct 2009

WorthPlaying writes: "L4D2 promises to set a new benchmark for co-operative action games, adding melee combat to enable deeper co-operative gameplay, with items such as a chainsaw, frying pan, axe, baseball bat, and more.Scavenge mode pits humans vs. various infected, with the human team retrieving as many of the 16 gas cans to fill up generators within 90 seconds. Each successful usage adds 20 seconds to the clock, and players switch sides after three rounds. The team that wins the most games is victorious."

"Scavenge" Mode Revealed for Left 4 Dead 2 (News)

8 Oct 2009

CS-Nation writes:

"At a press event being held tonight in San Francisco, Valve has revealed an all new game mode for Left 4 Dead 2. Dubbed "Scavenge" the new mode pits a team of Survivors against a team of Special Infected. As expected, there is a catch.

The new mode is coming off as a mix of Survival mode and Versus. The team of Survivors is tasked with finding and retrieving gas canisters that have been scattered around the level. These canisters are then used to fill up generators. While they're attempting to do this, both the normal Infected and the human controlled Special Infected will attempt to thwart their plans.

The maps start off with a 120 second time limit, each canister used adds another 20 seconds to the remaining time. The goal for the Survivors is to use as many of the 16 total gas canisters before the time runs out.

When Left 4 Dead 2 ships on November 17, there will be a total of six Scavenge maps included."

Looks Like Left 4 Dead 2 Is Coming To Australia (News)

8 Oct 2009

Australia's long nation nightmare of maybe not being able to play Left 4 Dead 2 may soon be over, as the government's media ratings board has apparently issued the zombie shooter a rating of MA-15+.

Modified Left 4 Dead 2 Submitted to Australian Ratings Board - Valve (News)

7 Oct 2009

During his October 7 2009 visit to Australia, Valve's Gabe Newell revealed that in addition to an appeal for the original build, a modified version of Left 4 Dead 2 has also now been submitted to the Australian Classification Board following last month's decision to refuse classification of the game in Australia.

Valve Spending 25 Million To Promote Left For Dead 2 (News)

5 Oct 2009

The Koalition - I think this is the smartest move, even though its crazy expensive. Valve announced today that it would be spending 25 million to help push Left For Dead 2 to its full sales potential. With Modern Warfare 2 dropping on Nov. 10th and L4D2 dropping on Nov. 17th any gamer can clearly see that MW2 will have the majority of mind share the full 4th quarter. The only way to compete with that is to put your game in the faces of the people so they can still realize your there. Will 25 million be enough to weather the Modern Warfare storm?

Steam sales chart for week ending 3rd of October (News)

4 Oct 2009

Crowbar Error 42 writes "It that time of the week again where we take a look at the top ten selling PC games on Valve's Steam service."

Preorder Left 4 Dead 2 For Early Demo Access (News)

2 Oct 2009

HellDescent writes: "Valve has just confirmed that the Left 4 Dead 2 demo will be accessible earlier if the game is pre-order on Steam or at participating retailers. Starting from today, those who preorder the game from Steam or what ever store will support the bonus will be given access to the demo on October 27th and an extra Baseball bat melee weapon for the full game. Pre-order bonuses are really sailing lately. Seems like every game has one. There's no excuse to not pre-order this game now. As an added incentive Steam and other participating retailers will be offering Left 4 Dead 2 at 10% off with the pre-order."

Left 4 Dead 2 Pre-Orders Get 10% Off Game (News)

2 Oct 2009

Shacknews:

Throwing yet another pre-order incentive into the mix, Valve today announced that those who pre-order Left 4 Dead 2 from "participating retailers" will get 10% off the game.

The offer brings the PC version to $45 and the Xbox 360 edition to $55. Of course, the company's own PC digital distribution outlet Steam will be among those participating.

AusGamers: Want to Meet Gabe Newell? (News)

2 Oct 2009

Gabe Newell coming to Australia as part of a fund-raising effort by a local Australian game-designer was confirmed in the last 24 hours, but what you might not know is Valve are also throwing out an invite to any Australians or gamers visiting Australia to also attend the meeting...

Game censorship around the world (Feature)

30 Sep 2009

Games are banned in two primary ways. The first is by corporate policy. When a company refuses to sell or distribute an unrated game, it is effectively censoring the game, but they can’t be entirely lampooned for attempting to maintain a positive image. Nintendo has every right to prevent “Sextrobes: Pornigins” from being released on the Wii ...

L4D Boycott: Gabe is coming to Australia (News)

30 Sep 2009

Gamer Limit writes "Gabe has agreed to pay for himself and a colleague to fly to Sydney, rather then the original Brisbane, and to donate the raised cash to Penny Arcade's Childs Play Charity."

EA Spokeswoman Hits Back at Australian Classification Board (News)

27 Sep 2009

EA spokeswoman Tiffany Steckler, speaking to GameSpot Australia, implied Left 4 Dead 2's violent content is not beyond the pale of Australia's home grown entertainment fare.

"It's funny that a place like Australia, which has come up with some pretty violent material in the past with something like Mad Max, can effectively ban video games for the same reason," she said. "EA believes that adults should have the right to make their own choices when it comes to the content they consume."

Icrontic: Valve Appeals Left 4 Dead 2 Decision in Australia (News)

24 Sep 2009

While ratings for the upcoming game Left 4 Dead 2 have been announced in most major markets, Valve filed to appeal the OFLC's decision report that refuses classification to the zombie slaughterfest.

EA NZ comments on Left 4 Dead 2 situation (News)

24 Sep 2009

Game Console writes: "With Left 4 Dead 2 refused classification in Australia, EA New Zealand has commented as to whether or not this will affect the game's New Zealand release."

Left 4 Dead 2 Demo Details Revealed (News)

24 Sep 2009

Valve has cleared up one of the two mysteries surrounding the Left 4 Dead 2 demo announcement that the demo will be exclusive to both Steam and Xbox 360 pre-order customers on October 27.

Valve Explain New Orleans Decision For L4D2 (News)

20 Sep 2009

Valve's Chet Faliszek has explained the company's decision to include New Orleans in Left 4 Dead 2.

Valve 'Disappointed' With Left 4 Dead 2 Ban (News)

18 Sep 2009

Australian gamers clamoring to get their hands on the upcoming sequel to Valve's zombie shooter, Left 4 Dead 2, were given the harsh news of the game's ban earlier this week. The Australian Classifications Board refused the game, denying it to be sold anywhere in the country.

As you could have probably guessed, this news doesn't sit well with Valve. VP of Marketing, Doug Lombardi, told IGN the company was surprised by the ban

Icrontic: Text of OFLC Decision Report Regarding Banning of Left 4 Dead 2 (News)

17 Sep 2009

Icrontic has received official word from Australia's OFLC regarding their decision to refuse classification to Left 4 Dead 2.

IGN AU: Left 4 Dead 2 Banned in Australia (News)

17 Sep 2009

Thanks to the Australian Classifications Board, Aussie gamers have one more game to cross off their lists for the time being - Valve's highly-anticipated Left 4 Dead 2. The zombie-survival shooter has just been refused classification, preventing the title from being sold on Australian shelves.

L4D2 Impressions -- From the Boycott man himself (News)

12 Sep 2009

We stood around for about two or three minutes in a totally empty reception area. Then one of the Valve staff walks by and asks us if we need help or if we're waiting on someone and we explain we're waiting on Chet. In short order we're greeted by another Valve staff member, Chet had been tied up in a meeting. I'm going to go ahead and say it was Erik that gave us the tour, even though that might not be right. Valve takes up the entire 10th floor, part of the 11th and 9th and a few offices on the 8th. We were only touring the 10th and part of the 9th, we were told that there's another "game design group" on the 11th; but details were purposefully vague. I think that Valve is working on a new project or it's Episode 3 in progress.

It's right about here that I think I should mention that Valve never asked us to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement we get to write about everything we have seen. We were also allowed to take pictures just about everywhere, although I was so busy asking questions and getting answers that I didn't take all that many pictures.

Exclusive: Depeche Mode in Left 4 Dead 2 is a way to get their music out (News)

11 Sep 2009

VG247: Johnathan Kessler, the manager for Depeche Mode, has told VG247 that the band's inclusion in Valve's Left 4 Dead 2 was a way to get their music out to a younger generation.

"There is no storyline in the game with the band, as they do not appear in the game," Kessler told VG247 exclusively." Their music was included as a way to get their songs out there, so that the kids can be exposed to it in a way that differs from conventional radio."

As far as this being a stepping stone for the band to possibly be included in Rock Band or Guitar Hero in the future, Kessler says that there are "no plans for that at this time".

All 10 Left 4 Dead 2 melee weapons over here (News)

9 Sep 2009

Joystiq: Speaking to Valve's Chet Faliszek at PAX, we asked how many melee weapons will make it into Left 4 Dead 2. At the time, Faliszek told us he wasn't sure, but he knew there were more melee weapons in Left 4 Dead 2 than there were guns in the original game. We followed up with Faliszek after the show and we can now share all ten of the game's melee weapons. Without further ado, they are:

L4D2: Don't forget to hit a clown in the face (News)

8 Sep 2009

TVGB: "Between my sessions of checking out the newly-revealed Dark Carnival map that was showed off for Left 4 Dead 2, chatting up Valve's Chet Faliszek, as well as getting obliterated by the new special infected, The Jockey, at PAX last week, I heard an interesting snippet said by one of the ladies handing out shirts at Valve's booth."

Left 4 Dead 2 Image Edited For Japan (News)

7 Sep 2009

When Valve's zombie shooter Left 4 Dead was originally released in Japan, it was released with edited box art. The iconic hand was too gruesome and needed more flesh.

Left 4 Dead 2 is coming to to Japan November 19 and once again the game's original cover art appears to be altered. Due to cultural issues like yakuza gangsters ceremoniously cutting off fingers to apologize, Japan is sensitive to things like missing fingers.