Valve just announced that Left 4 Dead has officially gone GOLD! This means that the game is on track for its release next week. Additionally, the game can now be pre-loaded. Yes, pre-load now and then proceed to count down the hours until its release. Go on, I won't stop you :P As the press release mentions, there is still the pre-load period going on. 10% off of the full price between now and the release on the 18th.

Left 4 Dead is the new survival action game for the PC and Xbox 360 that blends the social entertainment experience of multiplayer games such as Counter-Strike and Team Fortress with the dramatic, narrative experience made popular in single player action game classics such as the Half-Life series of games.

Those who pre-order the game via Steam save 10% off the regular price and may pre-load the game so they are able to play at 12:01 am EST on November 18, 2008 when the game is made available. The pre-order discount is also available for both the PC and 360 versions at participating retail outlets.

Playable in single player, co-operative, and multiplayer modes, Left 4 Dead is one of the most anticipated releases of 2008 and winner of numerous pre-launch awards, including Best of E3 from multiple outlets. The official demo for the game is available now through November 17 for the PC and Xbox 360.