Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Valve measures sweat during Left 4 Dead play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-measures-players-sweat-when-they-play-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-measures-players-sweat-when-they-play-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/valve-measures-players-sweat-when-they-play-left-4-dead/#commentsValve measures players' sweat when they play Left 4 Dead Valve tinkers with a lot of things - whatever it feels like, mostly - but has a particular interest in biometrics and direct player feedback within games. At the Neurogaming Conference last week, Valve Experimental Psychologist (seriously, whatever if feels like) Mike Ambinder described a few tests he'd recently run, as reported by Venture Beat.

In one test, Valve measured how much players sweat while playing Left 4 Dead, as correlated to their levels of arousal - just as Valve boss Gabe Newell specified back in March, concerning biometrics in the Steam Box. Another experiment gave players four minutes to shoot 100 enemies, and the game would move more quickly as the player showed signs of nervousness.

Valve also created a successful version of Portal 2 controlled with players' eyeballs, but it was necessary to separate aiming and viewpoint - where your eyes are looking and where your head is facing - for that to work properly.

The Steam Box will host some sort of biometric scheme, Newell said in that March interview.

"What we've found is you can directly measure player state and it turns out to be very useful," Newell said. "You need to be able to directly measure how aroused the player is, what their heart rate is, things like that, in order to continue to offer them a new experience each time they play."

JoystiqValve measures sweat during Left 4 Dead play originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biometricbiometricsL4DLeft-4-Deadmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3STEAMvalvexboxTue, 07 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead running on Vita via PlayStation Mobile is pretty Suite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/left-4-dead-running-on-vita-via-playstation-mobile-is-pretty-sui/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/left-4-dead-running-on-vita-via-playstation-mobile-is-pretty-sui/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/left-4-dead-running-on-vita-via-playstation-mobile-is-pretty-sui/#comments
Left 4 Dead running on Vita via PlayStation Mobile, is pretty Suite
The wizard digitalarts001 has made it possible to run Left 4 Dead with motion controls on the PS Vita, via remote desktop play and PlayStation Mobile (formerly "Suite"). The above video provides a magical demonstration of L4D on Vita, appearing to run smoothly even when motion controls are activated by the player pressing the left trigger and mumbling an incantation in broken Latin, we assume.

A remote desktop application is just one of the homebrew innovations we can expect from PlayStation Mobile, but it may be one of the most important: When players can make their own games suddenly appear on the Vita, Sony won't have to create any of its own titles. Now you're thinking with Portals, Sony. Speaking of....

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead running on Vita via PlayStation Mobile is pretty Suite originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4DLeft-4-Deadpcplaystationplaystation-mobileplaystation-suiteplaystation-vitaremote-desktopsdkSONYvalvevitaThu, 05 Jul 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Full Left 4 Dead fan-film makes it to the safe room]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/full-left-4-dead-fan-film-makes-it-to-the-safe-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/full-left-4-dead-fan-film-makes-it-to-the-safe-room/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/full-left-4-dead-fan-film-makes-it-to-the-safe-room/#comments
Teased last week, the full Airsoft GI-sponsored Left 4 Dead fan-film has been posted on YouTube and it's well worth a few minutes of your life. The Northern Five Entertainment-produced film follows Zoey, Louis and Francis as they make their way to the boathouse outside of Riverside to board the Slater's fishing vessel.

The acting's pretty solid all around, though Francis is depicted as less of a curmudgeon than we remember. We just need help on one thing: We know it's been a while since we played Left 4 Dead, but Scorpion from Mortal Kombat wasn't, like, an unlockable character, right? We're pretty sure he wasn't in the game.

JoystiqFull Left 4 Dead fan-film makes it to the safe room originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airsoft-GIL4DLeft-4-DeadmicrosoftNorthern-Five-EntertainmentpcxboxTue, 20 Dec 2011 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead's Boomer action figure is pretty gnarly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/left-4-deads-boomer-action-figure-is-pretty-gnarly/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/left-4-deads-boomer-action-figure-is-pretty-gnarly/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/left-4-deads-boomer-action-figure-is-pretty-gnarly/#comments You know who we'd like to see featured in the hit television program Dirty Jobs? The guy who's responsible for making this Left 4 Dead Boomer action figure. Just think: Some poor soul at NECA not only had to mold this fully articulated, pustule-covered monster -- they had to paint on his every blemish, scab and scar. There is no amount of money high enough to merit such attention to nastiness.

We won't be able to get our hands on this figure (and others from the zombie-centric hit) until next Spring, but you can be sure that when we do, our hands will be safely enveloped by gloves. Check him out in all his oozing glory after the jump.

Continue reading Left 4 Dead's Boomer action figure is pretty gnarly

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead's Boomer action figure is pretty gnarly originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figureL4DLeft-4-DeadmicrosoftnecapctoyxboxFri, 16 Dec 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead fan-film teaser brings tears to our eyes, joy to our guts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/left-4-dead-fan-film-teaser-brings-tears-to-our-eyes-joy-to-our/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/left-4-dead-fan-film-teaser-brings-tears-to-our-eyes-joy-to-our/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/left-4-dead-fan-film-teaser-brings-tears-to-our-eyes-joy-to-our/#comments

Our modern zombie-centric television dramas have been decidedly not filled with zombies recently and the gore of 28 Days Later, Dawn of the Dead, 28 Weeks Later and Shaun of the Dead is as tired as this cat -- but there is hope on the horizon. The above teaser for a fanmade Left 4 Dead film has some serious potential, and it was filmed in just one weekend. Produced by Northern Five Entertainment and Sponsored by Airsoft GI, the full film will be released "soon," and personally, we can't wait.

You know who can wait? Bill. Bill can stay in one place and wait with the best of them. Cheers, buddy.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead fan-film teaser brings tears to our eyes, joy to our guts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airsoft-GIfan-filmL4DLeft-4-DeadmicrosoftNorthern-Five-EntertainmentpcvalvexboxSun, 11 Dec 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve and Xsolla set up more than 450,000 cash kiosks in Russia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/valve-and-xsolla-set-up-more-than-450-000-cash-kiosks-in-russia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/valve-and-xsolla-set-up-more-than-450-000-cash-kiosks-in-russia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/valve-and-xsolla-set-up-more-than-450-000-cash-kiosks-in-russia/#comments Valve recently embraced the Russian Ruble to make Steam transactions easier for its Russian customers -- while this may have made it easier for Russian gamers to see how much things cost, that didn't mean it was any easier to buy said things, as much of the country uses cash. Unwilling to block an entire market from spending its money, Valve has teamed with Xsolla, a game-monetization company, to establish more than 450,000 cash kiosks in Russia, where users can add cash directly to their Steam Wallets.

It's nice of companies to make spending money on their products so easy -- it's almost like charity work. Almost.

JoystiqValve and Xsolla set up more than 450,000 cash kiosks in Russia originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-kioskkioskL4DLeft-4-DeadmacpcrublesrussiaSTEAMvalveXsollaSun, 23 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead making-of feature recounts Survivor evolution, other odd stuff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/left-4-dead-making-of-feature-recounts-survivor-evolution-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/left-4-dead-making-of-feature-recounts-survivor-evolution-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/left-4-dead-making-of-feature-recounts-survivor-evolution-other/#comments Edge has an extensive and rather interesting look back at the development of Left 4 Dead that touches on design philosophy and how people behave while playing.

"Some people would declare themselves the leader and bark instructions, whether they were qualified to or not," said Mike Booth, then CEO of Turtle Rock Studios, where the game originally began development. "Other guys just wanted to help out and make sure everyone had health kits. A few would just wait for the moment to stab you in the back." Other interesting anecdotes include a foursome who decided to just end it all by jumping off the rooftop at the opening of "No Mercy," and the Counter-Strike veterans who protected a gaming-illiterate father.

The article also looks at how Turtle Rock and Valve initially got together, the technology that produces the 30 zombies populating the game world at any given time and, our personal favorite, the evolution of Louis from "a religious nutjob" to the likeable office worker based on Faliszek and Wolpaw's pal from Cleveland. "I remember helping him move house," said Faliszek. "He dropped something, ruined it and still made a joke about it. That's the perfect guy you want in the zombie apocalypse." Who else is going to help you find all those pipe bombs?

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead making-of feature recounts Survivor evolution, other odd stuff originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4DLeft-4-Deadmicrosoftpcpostmortemturtle-rock-studiosvalvexboxTue, 30 Aug 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ publishing re-formed Turtle Rock Studios' next FPS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/thq-publishing-re-formed-turtle-rock-studios-next-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/thq-publishing-re-formed-turtle-rock-studios-next-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/thq-publishing-re-formed-turtle-rock-studios-next-fps/#comments Left 4 Dead developer Turtle Rock Studios has had an odd career trajectory, having been acquired and absorbed wholesale by Valve after gaining no small amount of attention for its zombie-slaying multiplayer title. The studio re-materialized last March under the supervision of original CEO Michael Booth, and presumably started work on something big -- as evidenced by a hiring push this past February, and their opening of a shiny new studio space. Today, one big detail about said project came to light: It's going to be published by THQ, and released in 2013.

In a press release announcing the partnership, Turtle Rock COO Phil Robb said, "This project is the most ambitious thing we've ever attempted," later adding, "We're going to take the first person shooter experience to a whole new level, and we can't wait to show the game for the first time in the months ahead." The announcement lines up with a client list released by talent representation firm Verve (as discovered by supererogatory), which says GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra and Four Brothers writers David Elliot and Paul Lovett are working with Turtle Rock on a brand new IP for a "top-tier publisher."

No more specific window was given for the game's proper announcement, though the press release explains that the title will not be shown off at E3. Or is that just to throw us off the scent? Nice try, you crafty press release, you. As for any complications this might cause concerning Valve's current relationship with the studio remains to be seen -- a THQ representative told us, "To clear up any confusion, we are getting clarification on the Turtle Rock/Valve relationship - and should have that info later today." Stay tuned!

JoystiqTHQ publishing re-formed Turtle Rock Studios' next FPS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 May 2011 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opfirst-person-shooterL4DLeft-4-Deadmultiplayerthqturtle-rock-studiosThu, 26 May 2011 12:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve Store offering deals on merchandise, adding new Left 4 Dead plushes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/valve-store-offering-deals-on-merchandise-adding-new-left-4-dea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/valve-store-offering-deals-on-merchandise-adding-new-left-4-dea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/valve-store-offering-deals-on-merchandise-adding-new-left-4-dea/#comments Today's batch of daily Steam weekend deals is pretty radical, decimating the prices of jams like The Ball, World of Goo and The Orange Box -- however, you shouldn't ignore the other big sale Valve is currently hosting. Dozens of shirts, hats and other pieces of merchandise from the company's titles are currently on sale through The Valve Store. Many pieces of apparel are temporarily marked down to just five bucks; that's some cheap holiday shopping for your more game-savvy acquaintances.

If you can hold off from capitalizing on these offers, you might be interested in two new items which will soon arrive on the Valve Store's virtual shelves -- plushes modeled after Left 4 Dead's gnarliest foes, the Hunter and Tank. You'll be able to place these bad boys next to your equally squeezable (and upsetting) Boomer plush when they go on sale in late December.

JoystiqValve Store offering deals on merchandise, adding new Left 4 Dead plushes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4DLeft-4-DeadmerchandisepcplushsteamvalveSun, 28 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead finally shambles onto Mac, goes on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/left-4-dead-finally-shambles-onto-mac-goes-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/left-4-dead-finally-shambles-onto-mac-goes-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/left-4-dead-finally-shambles-onto-mac-goes-on-sale/#comments Although its sequel broke down a boarded-up door and burst onto Steam for Mac back on October 5, the original Left 4 Dead was expected sometime before Halloween. Well, that "sometime" equals "today" and it's on sale for $9.99. (Or, be a savvy survivor, and opt for the $14.99 L4D plus L4D2 pack!)

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead finally shambles onto Mac, goes on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleL4DLeft-4-DeadmacsteamvalveWed, 27 Oct 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead born from Valve's killed 'flying fairy' game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/left-4-dead-born-from-valves-killed-flying-fairy-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/left-4-dead-born-from-valves-killed-flying-fairy-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/left-4-dead-born-from-valves-killed-flying-fairy-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"We stabbed it," Valve project manager Erik Johnson tells PC Gamer of the studio's apparent "flying fairy game," as Gabe Newell puts it. The conversation with Valve, which includes marketing director Doug Lombardi, provides revealing insight into the creative process of one of the most respected developers in the industry.

Described as an "action fantasy sort of role playing game" featuring fairies, the project went as far as a working prototype (with spells cast by mouse gesturing) and "it was so bad," says Newell. Still, it was "a useful failure," adds the Valve co-founder, "because It was so clearly dumb that it made us say, 'Okay, what are we actually good at that we can do instead?'" Cue the Zombie Apocalypse!

[Image credit: PC Gamer]

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead born from Valve's killed 'flying fairy' game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledfairiesfairyflyingL4DLeft-4-DeadmicrosoftpcValveFri, 27 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[X10: Left 4 Dead 2 'The Passing' DLC in March, L4D1 tie-in DLC to follow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/l4d2-the-passing-dlc-in-march-l4d1-tie-in-dlc-to-follow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/l4d2-the-passing-dlc-in-march-l4d1-tie-in-dlc-to-follow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/l4d2-the-passing-dlc-in-march-l4d1-tie-in-dlc-to-follow/#comments So what's the appropriate greeting for when you pass another survivor in the zombie apocalypse? We'll find out next month, when Valve plans to release the first Left 4 Dead 2 DLC campaign, "The Passing," on Xbox 360 and PC. The Passing will feature non-playable appearances by the original Left 4 Dead cast (those shadowy figures in the background there), who will aid L4D2's four survivors during the third act of the new campaign, which is set in rural Georgia.

Not one to leave holes in a good story, Valve will explain the original survivors' frantic journey to Georgia by way of -- yes, it's really happening -- a new DLC add-on for Left 4 Dead 1 (not compatible with L4D2). No additional details were provided about the upcoming L4D1 DLC by Valve at X10 today, but it will follow the release of The Passing campaign and a digital comic (illustrated by Michael Avon Oeming) that will tie together the two DLC stories.

Additionally, Valve confirmed that The Passing will also include new arenas for Survival, Versus and Scavenge modes, and a new co-op challenge mode. Players will also encounter a new "uncommon common" infected, dubbed the Fallen Survivor, which can drop random items when killed. The Passing is currently on track for a "late March" release.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead 2: The Passing

JoystiqX10: Left 4 Dead 2 'The Passing' DLC in March, L4D1 tie-in DLC to follow originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-comicdlcl4dl4d1l4d2left-4-deadleft-4-dead-2Microsoftrelease-datethe-passingvalvex10Xbox-360Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[L4D mod 'Dead Before Dawn' recreates Dawn of the Dead remake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/l4d-mod-dead-before-dawn-recreates-dawn-of-the-dead-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/l4d-mod-dead-before-dawn-recreates-dawn-of-the-dead-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/l4d-mod-dead-before-dawn-recreates-dawn-of-the-dead-remake/#comments The Left 4 Dead modding community is really kicking decomposing zombie butt lately. We've seen Raccoon City, some of our favorite Super Mario 64 spots, and even Shaun of the Dead's Winchester pub all realized in the game's zombie apocalypse framework. Now we bring you another mod that pays homage to a zombie film: 'Dead Before Dawn,' a mod based on the 2004 remake of George A. Romero's classic, Dawn of the Dead.

The new mod opened to public beta this Halloween and features a variety of locales stripped from the movie, along with its own snazzy campaign poster. The folks behind the mod even went so far as to create their own title sequence (though their version features far less Johnny Cash than the movie's). You can shamble on past the break to check it out.

[Thanks, Gutfree!]

Gallery: Dead Before Dawn

Continue reading L4D mod 'Dead Before Dawn' recreates Dawn of the Dead remake

JoystiqL4D mod 'Dead Before Dawn' recreates Dawn of the Dead remake originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dawn-of-the-deaddead-before-dawnjacob-wawerl4dleft-4-deadmodTue, 03 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See Left 4 Dead fan-made mod 'Mushroom Massacre' in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/see-left-4-dead-fan-made-mod-mushroom-massacre-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/see-left-4-dead-fan-made-mod-mushroom-massacre-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/see-left-4-dead-fan-made-mod-mushroom-massacre-in-action/#comments
Remember that Mushroom Kingdom mod DoritoClock was working on for Left 4 Dead? Well, he's making progress and now has some new areas of the campaign to show off: the exterior of Peach's Castle and Super Mario 64's first world, Bob-omb Battlefield. He even added the latter's Chain Chomp!

It seems DoritoClock has also been reading our diary, because he's compiled a 10+ minute video walkthrough of all the areas. You can find that video past the break, but if you're anxious to see that Chain Chomp munching on a few undead carcasses (like we are), prepare to be disappointed. It's a work in progress, folks.

Continue reading See Left 4 Dead fan-made mod 'Mushroom Massacre' in action

JoystiqSee Left 4 Dead fan-made mod 'Mushroom Massacre' in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bomb-omb-battlefielddoritoclockl4dleft-4-deadmodmushroom-kingdommushroom-massacren64super-mario-64valveTue, 13 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead's 'Crash Course' landing September 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/left-4-deads-crash-course-landing-september-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/left-4-deads-crash-course-landing-september-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/left-4-deads-crash-course-landing-september-29/#comments
DLC over here! Valve has announced that, next Tuesday, fans of Left 4 Dead will get a new campaign to play. "Crash Course" will take place between the events of "No Mercy" and "Death Toll," providing a series of survival maps and a streamlined version of Versus mode on top of the new co-op campaign action. The DLC will be free for PC on September 29 ... and 560 ($7) for the Xbox 360 version. Did you hear: a true sequel will be out just 7 weeks later?

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead's 'Crash Course' landing September 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash-coursedlcfpsl4dleft-4-deadMicrosoftvalveXbox-360Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 boycotters flown to Valve; boycotters boycot original boycotters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/left-4-dead-2-boycotters-flown-to-valve-boycotters-boycot-origi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/left-4-dead-2-boycotters-flown-to-valve-boycotters-boycot-origi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/left-4-dead-2-boycotters-flown-to-valve-boycotters-boycot-origi/#comments
The two Steam users (Walking_Target and Agent of Chaos) who kick-started a Left 4 Dead 2 boycott, soon after the game was announced at E3 2009, were recently invited to Valve's offices to play the game and interview members of its development team. While both users (pictured above invading Valve boss Gabe Newell's personal space) vow to continue boycotting the upcoming title, they reported Left 4 Dead 2 "seemed balanced and 'tight' and did not feel like a rushed job."

Ironically, since visiting Valve's office the two boycott leaders have been forced to defend themselves against accusations of "corruption," a position not too removed from the one Valve now occupies in relation to the boycott. Some Steam users have asked the pair to relinquish admin duties of the boycott group, but the Valve visitors maintain the effort has progressed "well beyond what most people thought we'd get done."

The Left 4 Dead 2 Boycott group on Steam currently has over 40,000 members and requests (demands?) that Valve offer the sequel as either a free update or as a discounted expansion pack to owners of the original Left 4 Dead.

[Via Shacknews. Image credit: L4D2 Boycott Group]

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 boycotters flown to Valve; boycotters boycot original boycotters originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boycottgabe-newelll4dl4d2left-4-deadleft-4-dead-2left-4-dead-2-boycottMicrosoftvalveXbox-360Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 'Crash Course' campaign DLC free on PC, $7 on 360 - this September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/left-4-dead-crash-course-campaign-dlc-free-on-pc-7-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/left-4-dead-crash-course-campaign-dlc-free-on-pc-7-on-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/left-4-dead-crash-course-campaign-dlc-free-on-pc-7-on-360/#comments

click for full-sized poster art

And yes, that's Left 4 Dead ONE, last year's popular zombocalypse simulator, and not this year's "controversial" sequel. True to its word, Valve has announced details of an upcoming DLC campaign for the game, sending conspiratorial crybabies ("Left 4 Dead 2 is a cash-in and they'll never support Left 4 Dead 1") back to the drawing board. Though Left 4 Dead 2 is purported to last "much longer" as a platform, Valve clearly isn't ready to abandon the original.

Targeted for this September, "Crash Course" is an entirely new campaign that "bridges the gap" between the end of the "No Mercy" campaign (think: rooftop helicopter evacuation) and the beginning of "Death Toll" (think: turnpike riddled with abandoned cars). The new campaign includes "new locations, new dialogue from the original cast, and an explosive finale," and it spreads the mayhem across a co-op campaign, survival maps, and a "streamlined version" of the Versus mode experience lasting 30 minutes.

All this for the asking price of ... $0? Oh, but that's on PC only, friend. If you've waged war on the reanimated dead via your Xbox 360, you'll be paying 560 ($7 Earth bucks) for the privilege of adding "Crash Course" to your repertoire. Think about it this way, 360 gamers: if the original $60 game included just four maps, $7 for this set is a value, right? Hey, where are you going?

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 'Crash Course' campaign DLC free on PC, $7 on 360 - this September originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crash-CourseDLCfpsL4DLeft-4-Deadleft-4-dead-dlcMicrosoftSteamValveXbox-360Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 (Shaun of the) Dead mod in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/left-4-shaun-of-the-dead-mod-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/left-4-shaun-of-the-dead-mod-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/left-4-shaun-of-the-dead-mod-in-the-works/#commentsGrab a Cornetto in celebration of this truly heroic, and overdue, mod effort: a group of amateur designers is working on Left 4 Winchester for PC, a Left 4 Dead campaign based on the classic zombie comedy (or zomedy, if you will) Shaun of the Dead. Each of the game's five chapters will take place in one of the movie's locations, including the Winchester Tavern, where the movie's zombie-filled final showdown happened.

Unfortunately, according to the website, one of the mappers is concerned with the legal issues of basing the mod on a movie, and this hesitation may result in the project's loss of some of its work. We'll translate: don't expect this to be available immediately.

[Via GameSetWatch]

JoystiqLeft 4 (Shaun of the) Dead mod in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L4Dleft-4-deadleft-4-winchestermodsshaun-of-the-deadvalveTue, 14 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve showing off Left 4 Dead 2's 'Swamp Fever' at Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/valve-showing-off-left-4-dead-2s-swamp-fever-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/valve-showing-off-left-4-dead-2s-swamp-fever-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/valve-showing-off-left-4-dead-2s-swamp-fever-at-comic-con/#comments
Click image for larger dancing zombies
A red-hot press release just landed in our inbox, informing us that Valve will be on-hand at San Diego's Comic-Con to show off a new campaign in Left 4 Dead 2 titled "Swamp Fever." If you're at the show, the game is in the EA Gaming Lounge from 2-9 pm Thursday-Saturday, and 12-5 pm on Sunday, and can be found at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Hotel, 401 K. Street.

The above image is the only piece of media we received from the new campaign, but it's enough to cause wild speculation. Can we get struck by lightning? Do zombies like dancing in the rain? Have the undead found Jesus? We need answers! While we track someone down to find out, feel free to sup on our fresh, new screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead 2 (07/10/09)

JoystiqValve showing off Left 4 Dead 2's 'Swamp Fever' at Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-coneaElectronic-Artsl4dl4d2left-4-deadleft-4-dead-2MicrosoftvalveXbox-360Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[August OXM comes with exclusive Left 4 Dead NXE theme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/august-oxm-comes-with-exclusive-left-4-dead-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/august-oxm-comes-with-exclusive-left-4-dead-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/august-oxm-comes-with-exclusive-left-4-dead-theme/#comments
CVG reports that the UK version of Official Xbox Magazine will include a free, premium Left 4 Dead theme in its next issue's disc. We contacted OXM's US offices and have confirmed with Senior Editor Dan Amrich that the theme will also be appearing in same issue of the US publication. The theme, incidentally, was actually crafted by Valve. Amrich also mentioned that the disc will have five Left 4 Dead gamerpics as well. The issue should already be arriving in subscriber mailboxes and will hit newsstands next Tuesday.

Oh, and the magazine has info about Left 4 Dead 2 in it too, so that's a plus. If you'd like to pick one up for yourself, keep an eye out for the Left 4 Dead 2 cover, which you can check out after the break.

Continue reading August OXM comes with exclusive Left 4 Dead NXE theme

JoystiqAugust OXM comes with exclusive Left 4 Dead NXE theme originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>l4dleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2oxmvalveFri, 26 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 will last 'much longer' as a platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/left-4-dead-2-will-last-much-longer-as-a-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/left-4-dead-2-will-last-much-longer-as-a-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/left-4-dead-2-will-last-much-longer-as-a-platform/#comments
Left 4 Dead 2 ... already? It's a question that Valve's Chet Faliszek has undoubtedly been answering all day. Wary of the negative connotations that come with annual franchises, Faliszek gave us a candid explanation. Put simply, Valve wasn't entirely satisfied with the original game. "Left 4 Dead 1, like I said, had some of those fundamental things that we wanted to change about it, like the changes to the director, which took really long periods of time and a really long period of testing," he said. "And so, those changes fell in line with the long period of time it takes to create characters and everything else. That's why we're doing Left 4 Dead 2, right?"

A more refined game will also set the stage for a longer lifespan, with Faliszek having no qualms calling the EA-published Left 4 Dead 2 a platform, one that Valve sees "lasting for a much longer period of time" via updates and DLC. "We haven't decided anything yet, obviously, but we're looking at it and looking at Left 4 Dead 2 as being that platform to build on." There's a caveat, of course: "I would say definitely there's some stuff I think, like world-wise and location-wise, that we're saying, 'No, this isn't going to fit in this one, let's put this aside and maybe come back and revisit it.'"

Valve hopes to produce more incentive for revisiting Left 4 Dead 2, with a new gameplay mode -- in addition to the unrevealed one shipping with the game -- already being considered. "There's a lot of ideas that we can start playing around with. But we first need to get this first layer down and settle it." We'll be settling the score with the zombie menace on November 17th.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 2 will last 'much longer' as a platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3-2009fpsL4DLeft-4-DeadLeft-4-Dead-2MicrosoftValveXbox-360Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GamerDNA's Left 4 Dead stats reveal power of Steam sales, promotions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/gamerdnas-left-4-dead-stats-reveal-power-of-steam-sales-promot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/gamerdnas-left-4-dead-stats-reveal-power-of-steam-sales-promot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/gamerdnas-left-4-dead-stats-reveal-power-of-steam-sales-promot/#comments
Left 4 Dead on PC appears to receive a shot of zombie reanimation every time Valve's Steam service does a promotion, according to proprietary Xbox Live and PC GamerDNA statistics. The chart above, which is calculated based on "equal percentages of Xbox and PC users," shows that engagement on both platforms was almost equal for three months after release. The PC receives its first major bump during Steam's 50 percent off sale in February. Both platforms received a boost with the release of the free Survival Pack, but then engagement spiked dramatically during Steam's "Freaky Free Friday" promotion and stayed strong.

Sam Houston, community manager at GamerDNA, tells us that typically the engagement graphs for games "start high and just drop off." He notes that Steam sales and promotions can obviously give a shot of adrenaline to a game's engagement. He questions, "Could Microsoft do something like that? Then it would appeal to both platforms pretty highly. But, you know, Valve owns Steam and the game, so they have more flexibility."

JoystiqGamerDNA's Left 4 Dead stats reveal power of Steam sales, promotions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamer-dnagamerDNAl4dleft-4-deadMicrosoftsam-houstonsteamvalveXbox-360Mon, 18 May 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Left 4 Dead 4 free this 'Freaky Free Friday' on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/play-left-4-dead-4-free-this-freaky-free-friday-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/play-left-4-dead-4-free-this-freaky-free-friday-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/play-left-4-dead-4-free-this-freaky-free-friday-on-steam/#comments
Have you been abstaining from zombie slaying until the cost of entry dropped to the low-low price of free? If so, you're in luck. Valve is making Left 4 Dead available to all Steam users for free this "Freaky Free Friday" with a 24-hour trial version available at 12:01AM GMT. However, you can download and preload the game and the free Survival Pack DLC right now to get ready for a day with the undead.

We suggest calling in sick to work, ditching school and skipping Aunt Mabel's funeral (she might be a zombie herself, after all) if you haven't been a part of this game yet. Just don't blame us when you yearn for more undead cleansing the next day and end up (*gulp*) spending money!

Gallery: Left 4 Dead

JoystiqPlay Left 4 Dead 4 free this 'Freaky Free Friday' on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsFreeL4DLeft-4-DeadSteamsurvival-horrortrialValveThu, 30 Apr 2009 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Left 4 Dead's free DLC now available [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/reminder-left-4-deads-free-dlc-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/reminder-left-4-deads-free-dlc-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/reminder-left-4-deads-free-dlc-now-available/#comments
Update: Left 4 Dead's free "Survival Pack" DLC is now available on Steam for PC zombie hunters.

This is just a friendly reminder that human brains are delicious and, if the idea of them being devoured during the inevitable zombie apocalypse doesn't sound appealing, you should fight the future by downloading Left 4 Dead's free "Survival Pack" now. The DLC enables the new "Survival" mode (think Horde from Gears) and also adds the Death Toll and Dead Air levels to Versus mode.

Practice like your future depends on it, survivors.

[Queue up the DLC from Xbox.com by clicking this link.]

JoystiqReminder: Left 4 Dead's free DLC now available [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsfpsl4dleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-dlcMicrosoftvalveXbox-360Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Evolution of Left 4 Dead's box art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/evolution-of-left-4-deads-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/evolution-of-left-4-deads-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/evolution-of-left-4-deads-box-art/#comments
Valve artist Jeremy Bennett reveals on Left 4 Dead's official site how the puntacular box cover we've come to know and love fear came to be. Bennett explains that the earliest box art attempts focused on the characters, but that led to issues with positioning because none of them was supposed to be the "central character." Making any of them the prominent figure would have been misleading; however, spacing issues were presented when the artists tried to include the characters equally.

The piece goes over the five covers up for consideration before the left-handed zombie hand was finally agreed upon. It's an interesting look behind the curtain of box art design and we even learn about Valve's market testing at its local GameStop.

JoystiqEvolution of Left 4 Dead's box art originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbox-artl4dleft-4-deadMicrosoftvalveXbox-360Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 'Survival Pack' lunges for Xbox 360 on April 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/left-4-dead-survival-pack-lunges-for-xbox-360-on-april-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/left-4-dead-survival-pack-lunges-for-xbox-360-on-april-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/23/left-4-dead-survival-pack-lunges-for-xbox-360-on-april-21/#comments
Valve has revealed that its upcoming DLC pack (which is free, by the way) for Left 4 Dead will be available to Xbox 360 gamers on April 21. For the unaware, the pack includes a new Survival mode, which pits the human survivors against wave after wave of attacking zombies. The update also includes Versus campaign support for two more maps: Death Toll and Dead Air. Let the undead griefing begin!

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead 'Survival Pack' lunges for Xbox 360 on April 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfpsl4dleft-4-deadMicrosoftvalve-softwareXbox-360Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam's Left 4 Dead sale increased purchase infection by 3000%]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/steams-left-4-dead-sale-increased-purchase-infection-by-3000/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/steams-left-4-dead-sale-increased-purchase-infection-by-3000/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/steams-left-4-dead-sale-increased-purchase-infection-by-3000/#comments
Left 4 Dead saw a 3000% increase in sales during its Steam sale last weekend. Valve's Gabe Newell revealed the stunning figure during his DICE keynote, in which he also announced the digital distribution service saw its customer base increase 1600% that same weekend. G4 noted that the Valve overlord believes those figures broke the game's launch sales.

Steam has certainly been experimenting with numerous sales lately. Valve has even hired an experimental psychologist to maximize buzz and marketing around the online retail sales. Wait, now Valve doesn't just want our wallets, they want our braaaaaaains too? Taking the whole zombie thing a little seriously, perhaps?

[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqSteam's Left 4 Dead sale increased purchase infection by 3000% originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newelll4dleft-4-deadMicrosoftsteamvalveXbox-360Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead DLC 4 free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/left-4-dead-dlc-4-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/left-4-dead-dlc-4-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/left-4-dead-dlc-4-free/#comments
Valve has announced that the price of its upcoming Left 4 Dead DLC, which includes a new "Survival" mode and "Versus" mode support for two more campaigns, will be set at ... zero dollars for both the PC and Xbox 360 versions.

Wow. Our posts are really short when we can't find anything to complain about.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead DLC 4 free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FPSL4DLeft-4-DeadLeft-4-Dead-DLCMicrosoftpcValveXbox-360ZombiesWed, 11 Feb 2009 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[First Left 4 Dead DLC announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/first-left-4-dead-dlc-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/first-left-4-dead-dlc-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/first-left-4-dead-dlc-announced/#comments
Valve is looking to expand its multiplayer-focused Left 4 Dead in 2009, sending word that survivors should look forward to a variety of bonuses throughout the year. First up is the L4D Survival Pack, which is set for a spring release and promises to add a new game mode, "Survival," along with two more full campaigns for Versus mode. If you've been holding off on purchasing the game (there's no good excuse, by the way), you'll be pleased to note the upcoming release of a "Critics' Choice" version of the game, which includes the aforementioned DLC.

The next tidbit is only for the PC gamers: Valve says it's unleashing the Source SDK, for free, this spring. It will allow PC gamers to customize and create their own campaigns and ... did we mention it's free? We imagine those folks making that Resident Evil 3 campaign are especially excited about this.

Sadly, there isn't any info as to how much the L4D Survival Pack will cost, but we'll pass along word as soon as we can.

JoystiqFirst Left 4 Dead DLC announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>l4dl4d-survival-oackleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-dlcMicrosoftpcsteamvalveXbox-360Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space, Mirror's Edge pass 1m unit sales; Left 4 Dead nears 2m]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/dead-space-mirrors-edge-pass-1m-unit-sales-left-4-dead-nears/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/dead-space-mirrors-edge-pass-1m-unit-sales-left-4-dead-nears/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/dead-space-mirrors-edge-pass-1m-unit-sales-left-4-dead-nears/#commentsFiled under:

While Rock Band and FIFA 09 stole the headline (and let's not overlook Need for Speed Undercover selling 5.2 million copies), EA's new IPs were also battling an unpredictable market this past holiday. Unfortunately, both Dead Space and Mirror's Edge lost -- or, got lost in the traditionally crowded end-of-year release splurge. Neither game made EA's "highlight" reel, and both were tucked away in a carefully disguised statement of defeat: "Dead Space, Mirror's Edge, Madden NFL 09 and NBA Live 09 each sold over one million copies." Consider that Dead Space and Mirror's Edge's development costs surely far exceeded those of EA's perennial sports installments (not to mention, EA's trio of top sellers mentioned above) and it's easy to qualify the new IPs as underperformers.

Going by the sales figures, at 1.8 million units sold, Left 4 Dead isn't exactly a standout either -- but it does go down in EA's "win" column. As an EA Partners game, Left 4 Dead didn't cost EA development bucks; and while that means a lesser share of gross revenue, the game's decent sales performance has likely equaled greater profit for EA compared to the results of its new, in-house IP.

Where does EA go from here? Well, a "new" Dead Space game can signal one of two things: (a) EA is confidently moving forward with its plan to build compelling, new franchises; or (b) EA is morphing its compelling, new franchises into redundant, tired formulas. If the latter, don't blame EA. Our money does the dictating. EA just follows along.

Source - EA Q3 2009 Earnings Conference Call Script [PDF]

JoystiqDead Space, Mirror's Edge pass 1m unit sales; Left 4 Dead nears 2m originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacediceeaElectronic-Artsl4dleft-4-deadmirrors-edgepcsalesvalveWed, 04 Feb 2009 16:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead Valentine's cards over here!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/left-4-dead-valentines-cards-over-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/left-4-dead-valentines-cards-over-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/left-4-dead-valentines-cards-over-here/#commentsNothing says, "Love me forever," like a Valentine's card depicting a vomiting Boomer, a tongue-twisted Smoker or a weeping Witch from Valve's cooperative shooter, Left 4 Dead. Keyword there is "cooperative." Valentine artist beavotron posted a handful of Left 4 Dead themed cards over on the Penny Arcade forums, allowing anyone to print and give them to a (real or imaginative) significant other.

Just know that if your lover doesn't accept the zombified sign of love, your relationship just wasn't meant to survive.

[Via Aeropause]

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead Valentine's cards over here! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsl4dleft-4-deadMicrosoftmultiplayervalentinesvalentines-dayvalveXbox-360Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead gets PC patch, Xbox 360 version 'in the coming weeks']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/left-4-dead-gets-pc-patch-xbox-360-version-in-the-coming-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/left-4-dead-gets-pc-patch-xbox-360-version-in-the-coming-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/left-4-dead-gets-pc-patch-xbox-360-version-in-the-coming-weeks/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Though Left 4 Dead provided one of the best multiplayer experiences of 2008, it wasn't without its share of issues. Valve has taken care of a ton of them this morning with a new patch for the game currently being vaporized for absorption through Steam.

Sadly, the fixes aren't available for the 360 version of the game, though Valve says they'll arrive "in the coming weeks."

You'll find the full fix list after the break. You know, it's high praise for L4D that even its bugs sound cool. "Players can no longer grab ladders while flying through the air after a Tank punch." Is there anyone who could read that bug and not know they were in the presence of something radical?

Continue reading Left 4 Dead gets PC patch, Xbox 360 version 'in the coming weeks'

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead gets PC patch, Xbox 360 version 'in the coming weeks' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>l4dleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-patchpatchPCvalveXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 15 Jan 2009 12:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead update hits 360 "in the coming weeks"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/left-4-dead-update-hits-360-in-the-coming-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/left-4-dead-update-hits-360-in-the-coming-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/left-4-dead-update-hits-360-in-the-coming-weeks/#commentsFiled under: ,


Valve sends word that an update for the PC version of Left 4 Dead is now available, with an update for the 360 version planned in "the coming weeks." The update includes lots of bug fixes as well as many improvements to the versus multiplayer mode. As a general improvement, the Infected HUD now shows the status of other Infected teammates, which is nice. Several changes and improvements have been made to the various Infected classes, including increased pounce damage for Hunters, changes to the Smoker's tongue mechanics -- sounds like it's harder to melee the tongue now -- and reduced autoshotgun damage against Tanks. Perhaps most notable to those that play a lot of versus, the percentage chance that either a Witch or Tank will spawn is now the same for both teams. Hopefully that will quell the constant cries of "no fairsies!"

Find the complete list of fixes and improvements after the break. We'll be sure to let you know when the update hits the Xbox 360.

Continue reading Left 4 Dead update hits 360 "in the coming weeks"

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead update hits 360 "in the coming weeks" originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>l4dleft-4-deadvalvevalve-softwarex3f-twitterThu, 15 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead patch released, safe rooms are safe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/left-4-dead-patch-released-safe-rooms-are-safe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/left-4-dead-patch-released-safe-rooms-are-safe/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/left-4-dead-patch-released-safe-rooms-are-safe/#commentsFiled under: ,


You'll be pleased to know that on top of the server-side patch, Valve has just released a title update for Left 4 Dead that's a client-side patch for stopping hackers and exploiters. You know, because nobody likes dealing with a dozen witches while in a safe room. Safe rooms are meant to be safe. Valve confirmed with Joystiq that patch not only fixes all the cheats from working online, but also prevents the L4D shenanigans from working on system link.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead patch released, safe rooms are safe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>l4dleft-4-deadvalvevalve-softwareWed, 07 Jan 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead receives title update on Xbox 360 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/left-4-dead-receives-mysterious-update-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/left-4-dead-receives-mysterious-update-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/left-4-dead-receives-mysterious-update-on-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under:


Left 4 Dead has received an update on Xbox 360, which ... actually, we haven't a clue as to what it did. We've contacted Valve for details regarding the inoculation. Perhaps Valve's statistics have revealed more nasty cheaters that needed to be squished.

Update: Valve has confirmed that the title update is the client-side fix meant to address the previously mentioned cheating. No more system link and user-hosted shenanigans for you!

[Thanks, Rhylin]

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead receives title update on Xbox 360 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>l4dleft-4-deadpatchvalveXbox-360Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead Bloody Valentine winning weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/left-4-dead-bloody-valentine-winning-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/left-4-dead-bloody-valentine-winning-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/left-4-dead-bloody-valentine-winning-weekend/#commentsFiled under: ,


To help promote the upcoming horror flick My Bloody Valentine 3D (in theaters Stateside January 16th), Xbox.com is hosting a Left 4 Dead Bloody Valentine Play & Win weekend where prizes can be won and zombie killing is guaranteed. From January 9th through the 11th, those who registered and play Left 4 Dead online have a chance at winning one of the seventy-four 4000 Microsoft point prize packs and maybe even a Valve autographed Left 4 Dead poster.

Delicious prizes, delicious gaming and delicious brains!

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead Bloody Valentine winning weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>l4dleft-4-deadvalvexbox-comThu, 01 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's Top 10 of 2008: Left 4 Dead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2008-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2008-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2008-left-4-dead/#commentsFiled under: , ,



"So there we were, just the four of us on the pier, the boat nowhere in sight and a tank charging at us through the trees..."

You've probably heard plenty of variations on this story over the past few weeks. But what's more surprising: That Left 4 Dead's horrifying scenarios seem so unique game-to-game that players think stories about them would be entertaining, or that we've heard so many of them and still can't get enough?

It's simple, both in plot -- four survivors try to escape the zombie apocalypse -- and in gameplay. But through its simplicity, L4D is able to address some multiplayer problems that might have seemed unsolvable just a few months ago.

Continue reading Joystiq's Top 10 of 2008: Left 4 Dead

JoystiqJoystiq's Top 10 of 2008: Left 4 Dead originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-2008L4Dleft-4-deadPCvalveXbox-360Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's official Left 4 Dead survivors über-list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/joystiqs-official-left-4-dead-survivors-uber-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/joystiqs-official-left-4-dead-survivors-uber-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/joystiqs-official-left-4-dead-survivors-uber-list/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


BOOMER! HUNTER! OH SH*T! RUN, RUN, RUN!!! Those screams mean so much more when playing Left 4 Dead with people you've got the slightest connection with -- like your fellow Joystiq readers. Considering the entire L4D experience is enhanced (and relatively dependent) on joining up with other non-AI entities, here's a place to meet up and exchange info. Please consider this the official post for the Joystiq community to drop their Left 4 Dead details. A couple quick ground rules:
  • Please follow FORMAT displayed in the first comment.
  • This post is only for L4D players looking to exchange details for an enjoyable non-(racist, homophobic, sexist) experience.
  • This post is only for L4D players looking to exchange details for an enjoyable non-(racist, homophobic, sexist) experience, seriously!
--Love, Joystiq

[Image: Winner of Valve's L4D photo contest.]

JoystiqJoystiq's official Left 4 Dead survivors über-list originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>l4dleft-4-deadPCsteamvalveXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 19 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Left 4 Dead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/joystiq-hands-on-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/joystiq-hands-on-left-4-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/joystiq-hands-on-left-4-dead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

L4D
click to enlarge

Having fortunately escaped a swift booting from last night's EA Spring Break event by PR folk for making an innocent (we swear) "If you make a sequel, will it be titled Right 4 Dead?" query, we sat down and got our kill-on in Turtle Rock Studios' PC and Xbox 360 shooter. Our first thought: Maybe this shouldn't be published under the EA Games label; EA Sims might suit it better. Because, frankly, we can't conjure a game that could better be described as a "zombie apocalypse simulator." Take that, GT5, with your "driving" simulation.

Highlighting the four-player Survivor co-op mode, the event's Left 4 Dead station featured four HP Blackbird PCs, so we were definitely experiencing the game as an owner of a high-spec gaming rig would. To that end, the game is looking even better than it did at previous showings, wowing us with a bevy of neat visual tricks (flashlights produce rainbow halos when you stare at them straight on, for instance) and fluid character animation that had us making mental comparisons to Call of Duty 4's lifelike character motion. Left 4 Dead's visual style -- which is largely realistic with just enough style and saturation to lend it a slight arcade hue -- worked its magic and we were soon firmly in the game world's clutches. Not that we were complaining.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Left 4 Dead

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Left 4 Dead originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-spring-break-2008Electronic-Artshandsonl4dleft-4-deadPCturtle-rock-studiosvalveXbox-360Tue, 13 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Shaky Left 4 Dead zombownage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/video-shaky-left-4-dead-zombownage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/video-shaky-left-4-dead-zombownage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/video-shaky-left-4-dead-zombownage/#commentsFiled under:


Video footage has surfaced from the showdownLAN of the upcoming PC and Xbox 360 zombie vs. human shooter, Left 4 Dead. Brought to us by Turtle Rock Studios and Valve, who made a little ditty called Counter-Strike. The video above shows four survivors fighting off a bunch of the Infected. Gameplay looks fast, furious, and bloody. Not shown in the video are the "Super Infected' which are more formidable than the fodder shown above. We'll be sure to keep a keen eye on this as more details emerge.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqVideo: Shaky Left 4 Dead zombownage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>L 4 DL4DLeft 4 DeadLeft For DeadLeft4DeadLeftForDeadTurtle RockTurtle Rock StudiosTurtleRockTurtleRockStudiosValveWed, 04 Jul 2007 11:15:00 EST