The statement came as part of today's revelation that the November 17-due PC and Xbox 360 shooter will be backed by a $25 million ad campaign. The original, released last year, had a $10 million ad budget. Valve noted plans for a "more aggressive" European campaign spanning television and outdoor ads in more cities and markets.

"Left 4 Dead 2 has consistently run at 300% of Left 4 Dead's numbers," Newell added, with marketing VP Doug Lombardi clarifying that "Left 4 Dead 2 has already set the record for greatest number of pre-orders in our company's history."