PAX 2008: Left 4 Dead Hands-On and Q&A
Gamers can expect fully-functional multiplayer features from Left 4 Dead, including a lobby that will make for easy team arrangements and the means to kick undesirable players from matches. Left 4 Dead for the 360 will be playable solo, in split-screen, via system link, and online. It'll also allow players split-screening on the same console to join games with other online players. Working with Microsoft, Valve has arranged to provide and manage dedicated servers for the Xbox 360 in order to reduce connectivity issues.
Lest there be any confusion, Faliszek says there are absolutely zero plans to bring Left 4 Dead to the Playstation 3 at this point. Left 4 Dead will hit retail as a full-priced PC and Xbox 360 title.
Valve hasn't announced any specifics about downloadable content, but Faliszek says gamers can "absolutely" expect to see ongoing support for both versions, as Valve has "lots of ideas" inspired by classic zombie films. Faliszek reports that they've looked at the way Team Fortress handles stat-tracking and unlockable content as one possible way to introduce new features to Left 4 Dead. I couldn't pin him down on any specifics, but I did get him to admit that chainsaws and flamethrowers would fit in quite nicely. Pricing issues for expansion content are still up in the air, but Faliszek said any pay content will be reasonably priced.
Valve's multiplayer shooter credentials are well-established, and I'd be very surprised if Left 4 Dead didn't amass dedicated followings on both the PC and Xbox 360. How large those followings will be will depend upon how many gamers are willing to pay full-price for a multiplayer-only title. Left 4 Dead is due for release on November 18, 2008, so Valve still has plenty of time to make some firmer promises about how they plan to satisfy gamers' cravings for fresh material in the weeks and months after its launch.
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Lest there be any confusion, Faliszek says there are absolutely zero plans to bring Left 4 Dead to the Playstation 3 at this point. Left 4 Dead will hit retail as a full-priced PC and Xbox 360 title.
Valve hasn't announced any specifics about downloadable content, but Faliszek says gamers can "absolutely" expect to see ongoing support for both versions, as Valve has "lots of ideas" inspired by classic zombie films. Faliszek reports that they've looked at the way Team Fortress handles stat-tracking and unlockable content as one possible way to introduce new features to Left 4 Dead. I couldn't pin him down on any specifics, but I did get him to admit that chainsaws and flamethrowers would fit in quite nicely. Pricing issues for expansion content are still up in the air, but Faliszek said any pay content will be reasonably priced.
Valve's multiplayer shooter credentials are well-established, and I'd be very surprised if Left 4 Dead didn't amass dedicated followings on both the PC and Xbox 360. How large those followings will be will depend upon how many gamers are willing to pay full-price for a multiplayer-only title. Left 4 Dead is due for release on November 18, 2008, so Valve still has plenty of time to make some firmer promises about how they plan to satisfy gamers' cravings for fresh material in the weeks and months after its launch.
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