Game developer, Valve Corporation announced that Linux will be added to its Left 4 Dead 2 Beta build. Additionally, the Beta version will now be open to the public.

Valve released its Extended Mutation System (EMS) for Left 4 Dead 2 Beta earlier this year as a way for modders to help test some of the expanded tools prior to its final release. EMS offered mod authors to write custom script logic and create unique gaming experiences.

Next week, Valve will allow access for anyone who owns the game title to the Linux version of Left 4 Dead 2 Beta in addition to the EMS. Valve advises prospective Beta testers that the new code is different.

"This code churns more frequently than the main game depot, so if you are bandwidth constrained, you might want to wait for the changes to move to the main game," Valve said in a blog post announcement.  

Non-Linux gamers should be happy to know that Windows and Mac versions of Left 4 Dead 2 Beta have also been updated to include testing on these operating systems too.

Valve recommends that modders update their current work and prepare for the arrival of new testers when the flood gates open up next week. 

No final release date for this version of Left 4 Dead 2 was announced yet and as for how long Left 4 Dead 2 will remain in Beta form, Valve has a few goals it would like to achieve first. For one, the game developer aims to learn what new tools people use and how the tools work. Valve also wants to know what features can be added to the game and repair bug and issues.