Left 4 Dead Update Next Week

[modeps]

http://evavhost.com/i/news/l4d.jpg

Looks like Left 4 Dead players and modders are getting some new updates next week. According to the Left 4 Dead blog (http://www.l4d.com/blog/post.php?id=2599), most of these will be in support of user created content.

Add-Ons
Third party campaigns are designed to be installed using a new Add-On framework. Content authors will be able to package up their new maps, along with new posters, models, and textures, into a single .VPK file.

Matchmaking
Because Left 4 Dead is all about sharing, we've re-tooled Left 4 Dead's matchmaking system to provide extensive support for custom add-on campaigns.

Authoring Tools
We're also officially releasing the Authoring tools/SDK. Thanks to all who provided feedback during the open beta, the authoring tools have been updated with a few fixes and several new additions

Also, feel free to join our new Left 4 Dead Steam Group (http://steamcommunity.com/groups/EvAvL4D) if you're looking to get a few people in a game.

[Mojopin]

Very nice development. Making mods and addons easier to deal with should quell some of the anger behind the L4D2 debacle. Valve still loves us people... :)

[sol740]

Where's the whiners ? I'm waiting to hear some complaints about this update. As a matter of fact I'm going to spearhead the "Boycott L4D Content" petition. It'll be up shortly.

[Ozena]

Where's the whiners ? I'm waiting to hear some complaints about this update. As a matter of fact I'm going to spearhead the "Boycott L4D Content" petition. It'll be up shortly.
Of course :p. Whether this is done to appease the masses or not, anything Valve does related to L4D is going to cause a stink now.

[silv]

Where are the updates Valve promised? This is ridiculous.

[Ph00p]

I can't wait for people to make mods that resemble L4D2 campaigns and then valve finds a way to block them or something like that.

People are to valve are like "youse trollin, and Valve is like 'I'm not trollin', I'm Valve you see ^_^"

[yutt]

Do you people not understand the difference between game content, and game fixes and engine updates? This is not a "content" update. What the upset members of the community want, as they were promised by Valve, was content updates.

If you don't understand that, it is because you do not want to. No one is that stupid or ignorant. You are all intelligent enough to understand what game content is. So stop being jackasses and acting as if this is what the "boycotters" were asking for.

This patch, while excellent, is a list of features that should have been in the release of the game, and would have been out sooner had Valve focused on supporting L4D instead of rushing out a sequel.

Here we are 7 months after release, and we are just now getting a modern matchmaking system? Finally getting in-game support for community mods? Finally getting a fully functional SDK?

Why should anyone be happy that it took Valve SEVEN MONTHS to let you do versus against pre-formed groups? It's is a fucking 4 versus 4 game, and there was no method for teams to match each other without pre-organizing outside of the game. Any other game that lacked such obvious functionality at release would have been rightly ridiculed by both the media and community.

What about a user rating system? Griefers and ragequitters still destroy a good portion of games in L4D, yet Valve has never even addressed this issue. Before release Valve said their would be a user rating system in the game, yet there has been absolutely no mention of it since. I guess they were too busy designing the advertising campaign for L4D2 to bother with fixing the beta.

[see colon]

Even if people make L4D2 maps for L4D, the new director is what will make L4D2 shine. If the maps in L4D2 change the path on the fly, they would be superior to the static L4D dopplegangers.

[Mozgus]

You guys surely realize this update wasn't coming anytime soon if it werent for the boycott, right? No, of course not. Don't give them any credit at all. This was just a coincidence I'm sure. This fucking feature that should have been in there day-one like it is with ALL OTHER ONLINE VALVE GAMES! (Ability to download a play custom content right from the client.) This feature that was mentioned nowhere at E3. Only after the shitstorm hit, did Valve dig it out of the closet and threw us a bone.

This will finally make L4D a complete product, though I've heard a lot of modders say the SDK is intentionally gimped in many ways so that Valve will still have the greatest range of control over making campaigns.

[InfiniteAmmo]

This will finally make L4D a complete product, though I've heard a lot of modders say the SDK is intentionally gimped in many ways so that Valve will still have the greatest range of control over making campaigns.

Oh, and these modding friends of yours have had access to the SDK that isn't out yet?

The SDK that is out is a BETA version--of course some things are gimped.

Yeesh. You whiners give me headaches. You paid Valve already for a product that you've been enjoying, then have the gall to complain about it when you don't get what you feel you're entitled to.

And if you paid Valve already for a product you're not enjoying, then sorry! Don't buy L4D2. Valve adding more campaigns and content to L4D1 won't make you want to play it any more if it had more to it.

[serioustommy]

Valve has lost the respects they once have already. These tiny useless updates are like throwing left over bones to attempt to fix their reputation but only stupid people will bite.

[modeps]

I love all the anger. Left 4 Dead, in any state, kicks the crap out of many multiplayer FPS titles. I'll be getting L4D2 for sure.

[TheBot]

You whiny little bitches who are boycotting should be happy they even release ANYTHING extra like the SDK. Seriously, bunch of little bitches. They don't owe you shit. Promises get broken, what are you 5? You never broke a promise? And, did they really promise it, or did they just say it? Because if they didn't promise it, please STFU already.

[Mozgus]

You whiny little bitches who are boycotting should be happy they even release ANYTHING extra like the SDK. Seriously, bunch of little bitches. They don't owe you shit. Promises get broken, what are you 5? You never broke a promise? And, did they really promise it, or did they just say it? Because if they didn't promise it, please STFU already.

If only you were to google. You'd realize how much of a whiny bitch you are being sir.

It's seriously pathetic how the only people who don't see the merit of the complaints are the ones who aren't Valve fans. It's a very cruel irony. The long time Valve fans get fucked. The newborn fans don't know they're getting fucked. The long time fans try to fix the situation, and get ridiculed by these fucking newbies.

But whatever. If it takes 33,000 users and a 1.5 million dollar subtraction in sales to set Valve strait, so be it. This update proved that it's working. The whiny punks such as yourself can continue to feign ignorance. It makes no difference.

[idolminds]

You whiny little bitches who are boycotting should be happy they even release ANYTHING extra like the SDK. Seriously, bunch of little bitches. They don't owe you shit. Promises get broken, what are you 5? You never broke a promise? And, did they really promise it, or did they just say it? Because if they didn't promise it, please STFU already.

So a company can say anything to influence purchases and they shouldn't be held accountable for it? Good to know.

[InfiniteAmmo]

So a company can say anything to influence purchases and they shouldn't be held accountable for it? Good to know.

It's called Politics. Maybe you've heard of campaign promises?

Also, Mozgus: I've been a long time Valve fan, starting all the way back with the original Half Life and all its myriad add-ons and expansions.

Thing is, I don't think we're getting fucked by L4D2 at all. More characters, more weapons, more levels, hopeful-interoptability between L4D1 and L4D2---all of this costs money to make--especially money to pay voice actors and level designers.

I'm with you, modeps. I'll be one of the first few to give Valve my money ASAP when L4D2 comes out.

One more thing: Internet boycotts never work. Watch everyone who is bitching now go buy L4D2 with their tails between their legs after they realize they've been bitches and are missing out on something great.

[idolminds]

It just so happens I think politicians should also be held accountable for the things they say. Funny, that.

[Major Scud]

Tomorrow I am going to release a game, with kinda gimped multiplayer, not that many campaign, very little story, few weapons to chose from, few different enemies to fight, but its ok because because we'll fix it with content updates* down the road.

(6 months later) ok buy the sequel, I know none of the stuff we promised in updates happened, but didn't you like the stuff that was allready there? It was cool right, zombies and pew pew! Well if you dont like it all the people that did will call you a bitch, so shut up and buy our sequel. Oh by the way here is some of what we promised you so you'll hopefully start playing the original again in time to remember to pre-order the sequel. Oh and this time there will totally be updates to campaigns, multiplayer, weapons, enemies and more.**

*by content updates we mean full priced sequel.
** These updates will be packaged together and sold as Left 4 Dead 3 in 2010.

[apollyonbob]

I love all the anger. Left 4 Dead, in any state, kicks the crap out of many multiplayer FPS titles. I'll be getting L4D2 for sure.

QUOTE. FOR. TRUTH.

I mean Jesus H Christ, if anyone ever told me that they didn't get their fifty bucks worth from Left 4 Dead, I would straight up call them a filthy fucking liar to their FACE.

That game, all by itself, with the features that were available at release, is well worth fifty dollars.

And goddamn this sense of entitlement crap. Valve didn't promise me anything. Maybe you had some delusions, maybe Gabe Newell came to your house, knocked on your door, and said, "Here's a list of features that are all but in the game already!" - but all I got was a video that said "Here is what the gameplay looks like." That was it. And that was more than enough for me to scream "SOLD" and make it a Day 0 purchase.

Maybe a giant sense of entitlement is the natural result of consuming too much hype, I don't know.

[see colon]

Tomorrow I am going to release a game, with kinda gimped multiplayer, not that many campaign, very little story, few weapons to chose from, few different enemies to fight, but its ok because because we'll fix it with content updates* down the road.

(6 months later) ok buy the sequel, I know none of the stuff we promised in updates happened, but didn't you like the stuff that was allready there? It was cool right, zombies and pew pew! Well if you dont like it all the people that did will call you a bitch, so shut up and buy our sequel. Oh by the way here is some of what we promised you so you'll hopefully start playing the original again in time to remember to pre-order the sequel. Oh and this time there will totally be updates to campaigns, multiplayer, weapons, enemies and more.**

*by content updates we mean full priced sequel.
** These updates will be packaged together and sold as Left 4 Dead 3 in 2010.

So you didn't enjoy the original? Why are you upset about a sequel. I wouldn't be, because if I didn't like the original I wouldn't buy something that was more of the same.

[Zetsuei]

No matter how good L4D was on release, it doesn't change the fact that the game was released incomplete, and the developers promised to not only "complete" it, but add to it. The new update will finally make the game what it should have been on release, and to call people whiney bitches for demanding what was promised makes you look like a douche-fuck.

[apollyonbob]

No matter how good L4D was on release, it doesn't change the fact that the game was released incomplete, and the developers promised to not only "complete" it, but add to it. The new update will finally make the game what it should have been on release, and to call people whiney bitches for demanding what was promised makes you look like a douche-fuck.

Do you actually have any proof at all to back up your claim? That the game was purposefully released "Incomplete" and that developers promised to "complete" it?

I'm assuming you have interviews or videos or some kind of quotes that back up your claim 100%

[Mozgus]

Do you actually have any proof at all to back up your claim? That the game was purposefully released "Incomplete" and that developers promised to "complete" it?

I'm assuming you have interviews or videos or some kind of quotes that back up your claim 100%

Yeah. If you or any of these fools were to actually read the boycott group's front page, they link to sources. But no, you kids insist on sticking your heads in the sand every fucking time.

[ElfShotTheFood]

Saying "fuck" all the time doesn't make you cool; it just makes you appear unintelligent.

[Major Scud]

So you didn't enjoy the original? Why are you upset about a sequel. I wouldn't be, because if I didn't like the original I wouldn't buy something that was more of the same.

I'm upset because I bought a product with the promise that it would get the same support and features of other products from the company that released it, and 6 months later that promise was still not met when they announced a full fledged sequel.

Here is a quote from Newell:
"One of the things that we're doing is we seem to be in a transition between games as a package product and games more of a service. So if you look at Team Fortress 2, one of things that's really helped grow the community is the continuous updates, where we release new maps, new character classes, new unlockables, new weapons. And we tell the stories about the characters, like the meet the sniper, or meet the sandwich. And that ongoing delivery of content really seems to grow the community.

"So each time we've released one of those for Team Fortress 2 we've seen about a 20% increase in the number of people who are playing online. And that number is really important because it determines how many community created maps there are, how many servers are running, and so on. So we'll do the same thing with Left 4 Dead where we'll have the initial release and then we'll release more movies, more characters, more weapons, unlockables, achievements, because that's the way you continue to grow a community over time."

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

[MasterKwan]

Something I like about all these boycotts is that the more there are, the weaker they become. Companies like Valve notice they're being boycotted, notice that people are still buying their games and decide that the boycotts really don't matter. There will always be some percentage of whiners and they can safely be ignored. Honestly, don't you have anything better to do with your time than to cry about a video game? If not, that's a sad state of affairs.

I think it's reasonable to tag the boycotters as "Losers" simply because they're spending time complaining about a game. Why not work toward world peace or helping the homeless? I think protest is great but, why not protest against something worth protesting against?

[Mozgus]

Saying "fuck" all the time doesn't make you cool; it just makes you appear unintelligent.

And seeing how curse words offend your fragile soul, I'd say the same to you. Grow up.

[Zetsuei]

Saying "fuck" all the time doesn't make you cool; it just makes you appear unintelligent.

I've presented my argument multiple times on these forums, so I don't feel like saying the same stuff over and over. I'd rather say things like "douche-fuck", since it's sort of pointless to try and prove a point over the internet. And to the other dude, as you can see, if you checked the L4D boycott page, there are a shit-load (oh no, another swear word) of links to interviews of them saying they'd continue to support L4D with content. (SDK/bug fixes aren't game content).

Yeah, there will be user created stuff, but they aren't going to be professionally made levels with new voice-acting or even remotely enough play testing to have the maps be balanced. I'm sure stuff will get close, but I'd really appreciate the new campaigns they promised. And to all the people who claim everyone in the boycott will go out and buy it anyway, maybe they will, but I know I wont.

[lockwoodx]

I get the feeling they are relasing this stuff to use us as testers for ld2.

[Major Scud]

Something I like about all these boycotts is that the more there are, the weaker they become. Companies like Valve notice they're being boycotted, notice that people are still buying their games and decide that the boycotts really don't matter. There will always be some percentage of whiners and they can safely be ignored. Honestly, don't you have anything better to do with your time than to cry about a video game? If not, that's a sad state of affairs.

I think it's reasonable to tag the boycotters as "Losers" simply because they're spending time complaining about a game. Why not work toward world peace or helping the homeless? I think protest is great but, why not protest against something worth protesting against?

Why play video games at all? They dont improve the world around us. The ammount of time we are "wasting" with this boycott is the same ammount of time you had to take to tell us how we are whiney bitches. We are not taking to the streets with signs, we created a steam group and talk on forums we allready talk on. Games are not important in the big picture, but does that mean they cannot be important to those of us that enjoy them? Some people think sports, music, or stamps are important. Someone trolling the evil avatar forums really doesnt have a lot to say about how people should spend their time or who can be considered a "loser".

As far as companies just ignoring these types of boycotts that is just rediculous. They may not end up with the result people want immediately, but the companies do take notice and decisions made down the road by the company can be effected to avoid this type of situation even if they are set on thier current course and are unable or unwilling to appease people immediately.

[silv]

I love all the anger. Left 4 Dead, in any state, kicks the crap out of many multiplayer FPS titles. I'll be getting L4D2 for sure.

For the record, my comment was meant to be sarcastic. It's sad when my attempt to be "over the top sarcastic" is actually some of the more normal replies in this thread.

[MasterKwan]

Why play video games at all? They dont improve the world around us.

Actually no, this logic doesn't follow. I like playing games, I don't like complaining about them. I buy a game, if it turns out to be crap, I toss it on the pile and go to my next game. I don't protest because it's crap or think the game company owes me something. I play games for pleasure. Is it that some of you get pleasure out of complaining? That's a new thought for me. If you find complaining about games to be as satisfying as playing them, maybe I shouldn't think badly of you.

As far as companies just ignoring these types of boycotts that is just rediculous. They may not end up with the result people want immediately, but the companies do take notice and decisions made down the road by the company can be effected to avoid this type of situation even if they are set on thier current course and are unable or unwilling to appease people immediately

Wishful thinking. And my point is that the more of these stupidly ineffectual protests there are, the less weight they have. It's like the 55 mph speed limits which simply made criminals of us all without slowing us down. I'm going to buy valve games as long as they're fun. I'd rather valve ignore you and get down to game making rather than waste time trying to appease you. It's become clear that some people only feel fulfilled when they complain so, attempting to appease you just wastes valves valuable time.

I think where we mainly differ is, you're saying "Waa, I don't want to spend another $50" and I'm saying "Give me something fun and I'll happily give you another $50".

[Mozgus]

http://video.ign.com/dor/articles/855949/mega64/videos/mega64_prt_sameoldstuff_61609.html

[Syl]

This is pretty awesome, i can't wait to see what people can come up with using these tools!

[TheBot]

I think it's funny with all the boycotting that nothing is going to come of it. Lots of companies say this will be included, but shit happens and it isn't. What, are you new to video games in general? This has never happened before?

So much whining, little actual doing. Oh wow, an online petition, big deal, does Valve care? Maybe. Are they going to let the loud whiners win? Hell no, they're a business, they will release what they want to make money. If things arent released when it comes out, they will or won't. You make it seem like no company has ever done this. Get over yourselves. Its more of an expansion than anything, but if they charge full price they should expect some backlash.

*sigh* People, people, chillax yourselves and just stop the, they said this, they said that bullshit. Lots of companies, not just game companies, say a lot of things, and a lot of times stuff doesn't get released, doesn't get fixed, etc. Are you new to the world? Is life hard? Yes and yes :P

[yutt]

One of the greatest things about L4D2 is consumers defending the dishonesty of corporations. Not only saying that obviously we will occasionally be lied to and mislead, but when we are, it is right and just.

I know apathy is cool with kids these days, but I can't understand how mocking consumers for having principles and advocating for themselves makes any sense. Just because the world is sometimes shitty doesn't mean you need to simply accept it.

If you aren't upset about the announcement personally, whatever, that is cool, fine. Maybe you aren't interested in the game, or just play casually and don't have much stake in it. But why would you attack people for taking a stand against a deceptive advertisement campaign?

Some of you, like modeps, act smug for not caring. Look, being proud about not giving a shit about ________ isn't special, that is par for the course in life. You aren't superior not caring when you are taken advantage of, you're just a schmuck.

silv, your comment was obviously sarcastic because it shows you don't even understand what people are upset about. My previous post was a direct response to how clueless people like you are.

[Major Scud]

yutt the trolls are big enough as it is, lets stop feeding them please... ;)

[see colon]

One of the greatest things about L4D2 is consumers defending the dishonesty of corporations. Not only saying that obviously we will occasionally be lied to and mislead, but when we are, it is right and just.
Well, everyone is posting links to where Valve states that there will be content coming for L4D, but nowhere have they said that they have ceased L4D content, only that a sequel is coming. And now, we get a patch, with official mod tools and updated matchmaking to support more maps (something we would need if they were to be released). It seams like things are maoving in a direction where we may still get some free content for L4D, but only time will tell.

Some people on both sides of thos argument have resorted to name calling and such, but not all of us have. There are people like me who liked the original and will gladly pay money for a sequel, and others who feel equaly compelled to not do so. And that's great, because we vote with out dollars. But before we start pointing fingers at Valve for failing to keep a promise, at least let them fail first. Had L4D2 not been announced yet everyone would be excited about this new patch.

[poote]

This is pretty awesome, i can't wait to see what people can come up with using these tools!

It'll be great to have a full Add-on campaign based off of Dawn of the Dead! They need to figure out a way to make a loop instead of linear so you return to the room in the wall every time.

[yutt]

But before we start pointing fingers at Valve for failing to keep a promise, at least let them fail first.
You know, I agree with you to a degree. On the other hand, if you don't complain while they have the chance to correct their actions and reassess their decision, you're left crying over spilled milk.

In any case, we at least know L4D will never be the powerhouse that TF2 is. Apparently Valve never wanted it to be. Maybe L4D2 will be that game, but I find it hard to believe given how upset a large portion of the active community is.

Had L4D2 not been announced yet everyone would be excited about this new patch.
I am excited about it, but it comes with the knowledge that it certainly could have been part of an actual content update with substantial additional gameplay. I am certainly happy that I'll finally be able to play against other groups instead of being forced into pubstomps.

I have a feeling most of those who aren't upset don't even really play. They treated L4D like most games they get, played for a weekend or two, had fun, and then put it on the shelf. That's fine, but you don't understand how communities develop. You don't get games like Team Fortress, Counter Strike, Natural Selection, DoTA, DoD, Red Orchestra, etc. by releasing annual updates.

The fact some of the Valve-defenders compare this to games like EA Sports titles highlights the disparity in thinking between the camps. I wonder how strong the Madden 2007 community is compared to TF2's.

[Dea7hTrance]

It's called Politics. Maybe you've heard of campaign promises?

Also, Mozgus: I've been a long time Valve fan, starting all the way back with the original Half Life and all its myriad add-ons and expansions.

Thing is, I don't think we're getting fucked by L4D2 at all. More characters, more weapons, more levels, hopeful-interoptability between L4D1 and L4D2---all of this costs money to make--especially money to pay voice actors and level designers.

I'm with you, modeps. I'll be one of the first few to give Valve my money ASAP when L4D2 comes out.

One more thing: Internet boycotts never work. Watch everyone who is bitching now go buy L4D2 with their tails between their legs after they realize they've been bitches and are missing out on something great.


So what you are saying is you are a valve Fanboy? the only reason valve is even releasing the sdk tools now is to try to cool some steam off from the 33k+ boycott members that would hurt there sales.

[AversionFX]

So what you are saying is you are a valve Fanboy? the only reason valve is even releasing the sdk tools now is to try to cool some steam off from the 33k+ boycott members that would hurt there sales.

First, get an education. Ohnoes, 33,000 boycotters! I'm pretty sure L4D sold somewhere in the ballpark of 4 million units. Probably even more than that. Your boycott group is a pittance, and hardly even relevant.

Secondly, Valve announced that they were going to be releasing the SDK several months before they announced L4D2. They then released the SDK still before L4D2 was announced.

I love that this has escalated to the point where people who actually enjoyed and felt that they got their money's worth from L4D are just "fanboys" for being interested in L4D2. Oh the internet, how you have ruined what little decency mankind had left.

[TheBot]

Seriously, get the waaambulance out here, there's too much pissing and moaning.

Oh do you hear that? The worlds smallest petition has 33k boycotters. Boy, they sure are swell and dedicated aren't they?

Come on now, they haven't stopped anything on L4D. Companies like money. Don't you like money? Money buys stuff right? I like money. That's why I'm putting effort into modding till I get enough education to get into a real career. Then I'll have more money than I do now and that will be just great. ;)

[the soUL TRAder]

This whinning still beats all the complaining that these entitled idiots usually do about how long it takes for valve to release their games :).