<p>In 2009, Ars Technica reported on what was described as a leaked trailer for the upcoming game Left 4 Dead 2, noting that the footage appeared highly polished. Recently, an update to this story revealed that the trailer leak was planned by Valve itself.</p><p>This information was shared by former Valve writer Chet Faliszek, who stated in a video discussing cut lines in the game that "for Left 4 Dead 2 with the ESRB... we leaked our trailer ahead of time because they wouldn't let us release the trailer."</p><p>Faliszek was referring to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), an industry self-regulating group that has provided age-appropriateness ratings for video games since 1994. While many smaller or online-focused game developers may not seek these ratings today, at that time, publishers needed to comply with ESRB standards to secure shelf space in major retail outlets.</p>
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Valve orchestrated the leak of a Left 4 Dead 2 trailer, according to former writer
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek revealed that the trailer for Left 4 Dead 2, initially thought to be leaked, was actually orchestrated by Valve to bypass restrictions from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). At the time, obtaining ESRB ratings was essential for publishers to access major retail distribution.
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A ratings board wouldn't let Valve release a trailer. It "leaked" it instead.
Valve orchestrated the leak of a Left 4 Dead 2 trailer, according to former writer