Newell told Videogamer.com, "We will be releasing demos for both the Xbox and for the PC."

Other details, like a release date and a scenario, were hazy. "I don't know what the date is for release on that, though. I think it's going to contain the first part of one of the [game's four] campaigns. That's a decision that Valve [VP of marketing] Doug Lombardi is making."

Newell guessed that the demo would cover part of the Hospital campaign, which has been shown at public demonstrations like PAX and inspired Shacknews editor Nick Breckon to call it, declaring the game will certainly be "a major fucking hit."

Asked whether the demo would include the game's oft-touted online co-operative capability, he enthused, "Oh yeah. You'll be able to play single-player and co-op in the demo."

The full game will hit North American shores on November 18, followed by Europe on November 21.