The Troubled Legacy of Left 4 Dead: A Broken Game That Spawned a Sequel

Former Valve developer Chet Faliszek reflects on the creation of Left 4 Dead, describing it as a "broken thing" despite its success. He recalls a conversation with Valve co-founder Gabe Newell, who questioned why players would choose Left 4 Dead over Counter-Strike. Faliszek also discusses the challenges faced in developing the game, including the controversial Hunter enemy and the technical limitations of the Left 4 Dead engine. Despite its flaws, Left 4 Dead remains a beloved and influential co-op shooter.