L4D2 UK retail release delayed by high demand

Valve has admitted problems with the UK launch of Left 4 Dead 2 have forced some versions of the game to be blocked from unlocking until Friday today - an issue which apparently arises from high demand for the game.

Simply put; if you pre-ordered the game in the UK then you should be able to play it over Steam right now and will have been able to since 5AM yesterday, but if you're only just buying it now then it won't unlock until Friday.

Maddened by the issue, RockPaperShotgun contacted Valve to find out why the change in release dates and discovered that it's due to high demand for the game forcing Valve to take action.

“Demand for the game has lead us to release it worldwide, except in the UK where copies are still arriving, said Valve's Doug Lombardi. "We plan to have everyone in the UK playing by Friday morning. Those who pre-ordered the game via Steam in the UK before the worldwide launch have been given access to the game.”

The move has provoked understandable concern and rage against Valve, which is made worse by the fact that Left 4 Dead 2 is such an amazing game.

You can read our review of Left 4 Dead 2 for more information, or let us know your thoughts in the forums.