A few weeks ago, we learned that there will be demo for both the PC and Xbox 360 versions of Left 4 Dead. Seeing how I’m nearly wetting myself in anticipation of this game, I’d call that good news.  Getting to dive into even a small chunk of the game early makes the near-insufferable wait until the game’s November launch date slightly more tolerable.  But what will the demo actually consist of, and when can we expect it?  Those are the real questions.

Well, Valve has one and a half answers to those two questions.  In an interview with De-Frag, Chet Faliszek of Valve explained what will be in the demo for the team-based zombie FPS.  The demo "will most likely be the first two maps of the hospital campaign," according to Faliszek.  This sounds like the same area near the end of the game that we got to play at PAX, which is fine by me, because the level gives a nice mix of indoor and outdoor action, and seemed extremely intense and challenging.  As far as an actual release date for the demo, Chet was less informative, but did say that it would be coming “shortly before release.”  That’s good, I guess, because putting it out way after the game’s release would be just plain silly.

It should be noted that every mention of the demo’s content so far has referred to the PC version.  We don’t know if the Xbox 360 version will contain the same level, but we are awaiting a response from a Valve representative to confirm this.  They’re on west coast time, so be patient.

*UPDATE* - After contacting Valve PR, I have received an answer to my question.  When asked if the Xbox 360 demo will have the same content and be released on the same date, Valve rep Doug Lombardi responded, and I quote, "Yes."  So there's that.  Still no firm date, but we now know that console and PC gamers will have access to the same demo at the same time.

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