Left 4 Dead Update Will Bring Completed SDK, Content Sharing Tools

Valve has announced details of an update to Left 4 Dead that is due out next week. To start, the SDK open beta is over, and the final version is being released. They're also adding a framework for easily sharing player-created content, accessible through the menu system in-game. In addition to that, they're revamping the matchmaking system to accommodate custom campaigns (like this Resident Evil 3 mod). Quoting: "Content authors will be able to package up their new maps, along with new posters, models, and textures, into a single .VPK file. To install and activate this content in-game, players need simply download the .VPK and double click on it. ... When creating or searching for a lobby, a new option named 'Add-on campaign' will let you select from among the add-on campaigns that you have installed. You can then find games or lobbies as well as create a lobby for that campaign. You can invite your friends, too. If they do not have the campaign installed, they will automatically be offered and an option to download it."

Why are they even bothering?

[VGPowerlord]

The only reason the Left 4 Dead SDK is of any use at this point is it's supposed compatibility with Left 4 Dead 2, as the first game has essentially five months before it's left for dead.

Re:Hrmm

[derGoldstein]

They managed 2 make Left 4 dead 1 a legend within 3 days. Don't 4get that it was a 1derful, remarkable 6ess. A lot of zombies 8 brainz. It's 4 this reason that Left 4 dead 2 is being pushed out 2 months after Left 4 Dead 1 reached market sa2ration. Maybe they'll throw you a reb8 if you bought Left 4 Dead 1, but don't expect them 2 just hand it over to every1.

Hmm...

[Durrok]

Hitler is not going to be pleased... http://www.youtube.com/v/6K9bFlt_0A0&hl=en&fs=1& [youtube.com]