E3 2009: Why Left 4 Dead fans should calm down about Left 4 Dead 2

Posted Jun 7th 2009 11:00AM by John Callaham
Filed under: FPS, Multiplayer, Left 4 Dead Series

We don't like to editorialize in news stories but it's pretty clear that a lot of Left 4 Dead fans are very upset about Valve's surprise reveal during E3 2009 about Left 4 Dead 2. The game's new official message boards are full of comments saying basically, "Valve's releasing a sequel too quickly for us; this should be a free content update for the original game." As Valve's Doug Lombardi told us during our play time with a build of the game this past week, "This is something new for us." By "new" he meant that this time Valve is not waiting for years to release a commercial follow-up to one of their major games. (Half-Life 2: Episode 3, hello?)

Many fans are not happy because they feel the original game (still a top 10 best selling PC game in retail stores months after release) will be forgotten now with Left 4 Dead 2's announcement. Again, Lombardi assured us at E3 that is not the case, promising that the first game will still be getting updates and new content (although exactly what they have planned is still a mystery). Lombardi also told Rock Paper Shotgun that any maps made for Left 4 Dead's SDK will work for Left 4 Dead 2.

Finally there's the fact that Valve has made purchasing Left 4 Dead pretty easy since its October launch. It has has had three major Steam sales that have reduced its price by between 25 to 40 percent during those sales times. Valve also made the decision to make a permanent price cut for the game (from $49.99 to $39.99) a few months after its release. Oh, and we didn't mention that Valve has made the full game available for free for a few days.

And all that for a game that has and will continue to receive new updates and content, most likely even after the sequel is released. Most PC games don't get nearly that much post -release support for a developer. So to all of you folks who think that you are getting ripped because Valve wants to get a sequel to Left 4 Dead out quickly we say, "Fine . . we will just play both games. Wish you were here."

Gallery: Left 4 Dead 2 Screenshots

Tags: e3-2009, left-4-dead, left-4-dead-2, valve

19 Comments

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

I think people (like me) just got spoiled by Team Fortress 2, tons of updates and new content... for free! We were expecting the same for Left4Dead.

I think for online games this is more serious, just because when a game gets old or a sequel for it comes out, the number of people playing declines, and the remaining numbers still playing are extremely good at it, the casual player has nowhere to go unless he pays for the new release as well.

Now if Left4Dead2 could still play with Left4Dead1 players, for old maps (or maps created with the SDK), that would be great. I wouldn't even want new content for L4D1 as long as the player base was there. I'll probably still fork over the cash for L4D2 eventually, when there's another Steam sale.Posted at 11:32AM on Jun 7th 2009 by TB

"Left 4 Dead" fans are not complaining it's just pathetic little worms who have nothing else to contribute doing the bitching.

In the PC gaming market "older" games never disappear it's all about quality.

Starcraft and CS1.6 still hold their own against any modern day shooter.

The reason is because some people prefer those games to the newer ones.

Releasing a new online game doesn't destroy the faithful communtiy of the first one the only people to shift over are those who prefer the sequel.

When Counter Strike: Source came out it didn't kill the community for Counter Strike 1.6 it created a new community and the two communities had little cross over.

Left 4 Dead 2 coming out doesn't kill Left 4 Dead and if you dislike the sequel stick to the original.

It's not exactly rocket science.Posted at 11:40AM on Jun 7th 2009 by Tony Montana

TB,

It makes sense that those who bought L4D would assume it would receive the same level of additional content as TF2 since Newell himself said exactly that.

Why the enthusiast press refuses to acknowledge this is beyond me.Posted at 11:59AM on Jun 7th 2009 by ESK

Although I trust Valve on this (but not on time or release dates), I think free is a little extreme for it. But looking back at something like the first Call of Duty and its expansion United Offense, I believe this should be sold at a reduced price point. CoD and CoD UO were the same fundamental gameplay but their multiplayer was quite different and they both had great singleplayer experiences. Yet, CoD UO was sold at $30 instead of $50 like the original. I feel the same thing applies for L4D 2, but I guess we'll have to wait and see whatever else is coming along with it.Posted at 12:07PM on Jun 7th 2009 by sicsided

""Left 4 Dead" fans are not complaining it's just pathetic little worms who have nothing else to contribute doing the bitching."

As if, just because you are also a fan and you aren't mad doesn't make those who are "pathetic little worms". Most of us are Valve fans who have been around a long time and see this as a big change in what we've expected from our favorite game company. Who are you to speak on the behalf of all of us. There is valid reason to be upset here, mainly, that we are going to be paying full price for a sequel to a game we bought last year, expecting that it would be receiving the same treatment as TF2.

"When Counter Strike: Source came out it didn't kill the community for Counter Strike 1.6 it created a new community and the two communities had little cross over."
And this is the exact reason why we are still upset, even though they are still promising updates to L4D. We don't want a split community, we want one big happy community, and it could have been that way just as easily as not, but they decided to go the other route.

We all have our own reasons, do not try to lump us all together and call us "Not Fans". I played the demo, bought the game on release day, got Genocidist months ago, and just played a game with Chet Faliszek at 3am (and lost), but I'm not fan because I would have vastly preferred L4D2 to be DLC instead of a new game? I think that's a little unfair.

Posted at 1:24PM on Jun 7th 2009 by bloodynose

I'm So excited about L4D 2, I really trust valve and I'll buy this game day 1.Posted at 2:42PM on Jun 7th 2009 by maxguy2099

http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/turtle-rock-project/902345p3.html

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/06/before-its-time-valve-explains-left-4-dead-sequel-to-ars.ars

The first link describes Valve's promise of content to come. Content that precisely describes the vast majority of what L4D2 has to offer.

The second link has an interview with Chet Faliszek, where he explains L4D2's development. He claims that the team met after L4D's launch, and decided to begin work on L4D2.

THIS is the crux of the community's anger. On the one hand, we were promised DLC (maps, guns, characters, zombies).

On the other hand, they immediately set out to make a sequel.

I'm glad that Valve south was so enthusiastic about this world they build in L4D. I just don't understand what happened between the promise of DLC and the near-absolute focus on a sequel. Yes, we got the survival pack. Let me make sure we all know what the survival pack is:

It included two "new" versus maps, which were the two co-op maps that HADN'T shipped with a versus mode when the game was released. So I don't consider this new, I consider this finishing a game.

There was a new gameplay mode, survival, which is pretty sweet. And a new map: "The Last stand". And it is a new map, but let's be clear. It is not a new campaign/movie, as was promised.

It's delicious how people claim to rebut the community's rage by cherry picking what points to counter. The list of points you might see defining the outrage is not a universal feeling. It is a list. An amalgamation. So if you want to counter the community, answer all of their issues.

That includes responding to mine.Posted at 4:05PM on Jun 7th 2009 by You don't quite get it

Well seeing how in this article and other places it says that there will still be updates for Left 4 Dead, they were not lying when they said- there will still be updates for L4D. Yes a sequel is coming out but THE PROMISE OF FREE DLC FOR THE FIRST IS STILL TRUE. So, what is it that was your problem again "YDQGI"?

Are you simply complaining because you can't get everything for free?Posted at 5:33PM on Jun 7th 2009 by Ihavepants

They also haven't stated price.Posted at 5:33PM on Jun 7th 2009 by Ihavepants

My point wasn't that they wouldn't "support" L4D (whatever that means).

My point was that, from the point of L4D's release, they intended to make a sequel. That's how L4D2 happened.

It didn't go:

"Hey guys, let's get to work on that DLC they promised!"

[6 months later]

"Oh man, there is just so much awesome stuff, let's make a sequel out of this!"

Not that this would be fine, but that's not how it happened.

They met after L4D's launch, and straight off put most of their resources into L4D2, instead of the DLC that they promised BEFORE L4D's launch.

DLC described as, "more movies, more characters, more weapons, unlockables, achievements..."

http://www.videogamer.com/news/valve_details_post_left_4_dead_launch_plans.html

Huh. That sounds like L4D2.

From the outset they abandoned a promise that helped sell their game. It help sell it to me.

"Valve supported DLC? I've had a good experience with TF2, and they even use that as an analogy to their planned support... I'm in!"

This is really simple, people. It is just so simple, but because we're attacking Valve - one of the greatest PC game developers out there, and my personal favorite - it is immediately construed as whining or complaining.

Read their promotion material (I've now posted two links), read about L4D2, and try to reconcile the situation with a well-meaning plan.

I want to think Valve did right here, but I can't help but feel screwed.Posted at 6:37PM on Jun 7th 2009 by Maybe you didn't read my post

Stop Your bitching please if you want it buy it, i know i will be on day 1 valve is the best company for pc games i support them 100% yet i dont get why almost all their customers complain about everything, 2 weeks ago it was the tf2 item drop system which i didnt mind now its l4d 2 Please do me a favor either A: Buy the game enjoy it/support a great game company. OR B: Complain a bitch like everyone else/Get less Quality from valve because they never seem to satisfy Posted at 7:07PM on Jun 7th 2009 by Mest

Listen, buddy. Mest. Whatever.

I've never complained about anything Valve has done. I didn't care when they didn't release Half life 2 on September 30th, 2003. I just didn't care, I knew Half life 2 was coming.

I was up at 2:00 a.m. (central time. 12:00 a.m. Pacific) November 16th, 2004, eagerly awaiting the unlock for the greatest game of all time. Were you?

I've preordered every valve game since half life.

I liked the new drop system in TF2.

I also think Valve is the "best company for pc games".

But usually when Valve's earlier promises don't come true, it's just a matter of a release date. I can deal with that. Hell, they've conditioned me to deal with that. I'll wait.

Now they took a promise they made on a game's future, and... forgot about it, I'm guessing, because they haven't mentioned those interviews since the announcement of L4D2.

They could at least say "sorry", or "oh yeah... whoops!". People screw up, Valve is made up of people, etc. The least they could do is own up to their mistake (as they have done in the past).Posted at 7:32PM on Jun 7th 2009 by You talkin' to me?

I never played TF2, played Half-life, and only watched a friend play through portal. When they announced L4D it sounded way too good to pass up, especially if they were going to back it as they said in the interviews and as I had seen in the TF2 content that an avid player kept telling me about. If I had known that a second, better, more refined, and bigger version were to come out within a year, I would have never bought the first one, I'd have waited. Not that I don't love the first one, but considering a limited money source to purchase new games and the likely hood that they may do this again MAYBE I'll pick it up by winter 2010. Maybe.Posted at 9:31PM on Jun 7th 2009 by Emac

I originally bought the 360 version because many of my friends were playing it and it was awesome to play Expert the first time ever playing it and actually not sucking because of our good team playing (in Halo especially).

I then thought, hell this game is going to get update after update on the PC. And even though I have only one, I repeat ONE, friend who plays it on the PC; I bought it.

Well, anywayz. To the point. I am a bit upset about this being a sequel, not an expansion which it should be. Mainly because 4 scenarioes made it rather short. An expansion should at least bring another 3 or 4. And a full blow sequel should have double that. IMO!!! IMO!!!

So yeah. I would really like to see new scenarioes, weapons, and other content for the first one.Posted at 10:50PM on Jun 7th 2009 by Onaraking

that statement from valve is bulls**t and you know it. name one game that had an official sequel and continued regular DLC to the first... i'm waiting.

Valve is just terrified that fans will go nuts if they have paid for DLC. I would much rather pay for DLC then pay for a whole separate game. I'm guessing the decision to make this a full sequel came very close to E3, and i'm guessing (hoping) that eventually it will at least melt down to paid DLC.Posted at 1:43AM on Jun 8th 2009 by Sam

"We don't like to editorialize in news stories..."

...EXCEPT when it comes to Valve. This place bends over backwards for Valve. You lipprints are on Gabe's backside and it stays fresh from many, many reapplications.

I do not remember any other "XX Guide to Achievements" for any other games BUT Valve titles. Meanwhile, for TF2, ONE GAME, we get TWELVE articles on the achievements in one week alone. You know, NOT EVERYONE cares about TF2 that much.

The problem here, and it is the point NO ONE has mentioned, AT ALL, is that L4D2 is really NOT FOR THE PC GAMER.

No, it is not. Understand, this was premiered at a Microsoft event for its CONSOLE. If you look at the other titles that were annouced, most of them were yearly interations of current titles. Left 4 Dead is now doing that on the 360. This new game is more for keeping the game in the public eye, and most of those eyes use a console - and most of them could care less about what the PC nation feels about the game. To a console user, they are getting a new version for them.

Meanwhile, on the PC, NO one can play this game the way it is. Everywhere you read, it had to be modded, or altered, or something put into the game to make people play it. Which on consoles is as about as opposite as it gets.

I HATE this game. I think it was unfinished (and I seemed to be proven right according to the reponses), and it is running on old tech, no matter how much you tweak it. Meanwhile these same folks who whorship this BETA are the same folks who rag on folks who play Halo 2 Vista. Go figure.

Last but not least, Valve gets as much of a pass as any company in this industry, and even when there is merit to the complaints and worries, places like this are always quick to make EXCUSES for the policies Valve has.

But in reality, there are people who are indeed sick and tired of hearing from the Valve community because they are the ones who can NEVER play the game it way it published. To them, that is their problem, not anyone elses.

GFWL - And 39.99 FOR A BETA seems to be quite the ripoff.
Posted at 10:43AM on Jun 8th 2009 by SidearmS

SidearmS's got a point. Why editorialize this?

Valve usually gets a pass - even, and especially, in my book - but the whole achievement guide thing was strange as well. The first was ok. But 3+ segments? I realize that TF2 has over 200 achievements, but they aren't very important any more.

They were important to begin with, but with the random drop system... they're only useful to completionists, and they go to gamefaqs. Or figure out how to do it on their own.

Either way I'm kind of disappointed. If you're going to report on this, at least remain neutral. And if you jump in, don't generalize the accusations against valve. That list does not speak for everyone.

How about you address my issues? Can you? Accept that valve is not perfect, and does NOT need your defending on Big Download.Posted at 12:18PM on Jun 8th 2009 by Man's got a point...

@SidearmS:

Point me to a game you think should have an achievement guide. So far, TF2, Spore, and L4D are the only ones to have something along the lines of an achievement guide. I realize that two of the three are Valve games, but at the moment, of all the big name game developers, they seem to be putting the achievements most often into their games.

@Man

They still are important. The milestone system has been reintroduced, lending a weight to achievements beyond bragging rights.

---

All that being said, I think that Valve may be releasing L4D2 a little early for consumer tastes. Does this mean I'm upset about it? Nah, I'm going to buy it and enjoy it either way. But I do agree that they should have at least dropped in a few extra campaigns.

Oh, and not releasing the SDK at launch was downright criminal. Not only that, but it's not even out of beta before L4D2 is announced! That's the kicker. I bought L4D on the PC for three reasons: server selection, mouse controls, and custom content. Right now, only mouse controls are in the game. Server selection has to be done through the console and custom content is only just now getting a start.

I do think it's hilarious that Valve gets knocked for releasing sequels long after the previous game came along, and then now they are getting slammed for releasing it too early.

Will I spend $40 on L4D2, and enjoy it just as much? Sure thing. Do I think Valve screwed the pooch on this? Yeah, a little bit.Posted at 10:13AM on Jun 12th 2009 by James Murff

Valve you have done a great job and now you have also messed up pretty bad too.

Fact remains it took nearly seven months to get Vs working properly and the SDK tool.

At the end of the day between the whiners and the Valve Nut suckers, we all bought a Beta game!

The basics were not there from day one and allot of DLC was promised by Valve.

Da da dummmmmmmmm, Valve start talking about Left 4 Dead 2.

Also what happened to the player ratings to kill of all the ragers?

Fact remains Valve did not get the game up and fully operational till seven months too late.

The whiners have more right to moan then the tits who reply with "Dont buy the second game then" and those guys are absolute W*****s, who are obviously very much used to bending over and enjoying the ride.

No one likes paying full price for a quarter of the way finished Beta and that's what l4d was.

So overall no matter how you look at it or what your Opinion is Valve screwed up and we have paid for a beta that has only now been nearly complete.

Complete l4d before shooting out another beta with the tag of 2 ;)

I do like left 4 dead but its still missing so many silly little things of which with out ruin the game.Posted at 8:28AM on Jun 29th 2009 by SpheareD