It's no secret that publishers spend millions to promote their games. That said, the wraps are often kept tight on the exact amount a company will drop to market a title, particularly when the game in question might get a drubbing from critics.

　　Today, Valve Software and Electronic Arts showed they don't have qualms about flaunting their resources, or doubt their latest collaboration will be well received. This morning the two companies announced a $25 million ad campaign for Left 4 Dead 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed and wildly popular horror survival game.

　　According to a joint statement, EA and Valve claim that Left 4 Dead 2's preorders are already three times the preorders for the original--the most in Valve's history. The achievement is no easy feat, since Left 4 Dead was the "top selling new property for both the Xbox 360 and PC" in 2008, according to the Bellevue, Washington-based developer.

　　Left 4 Dead 2 ships on November 17 for the PC and Xbox 360, and GameSpot's recent hands-on preview has the latest details. A demo for the game will arrive on October 27.