Orange Box pre-loading on Steam

The best value game bundle of the year preps for October 10 launch.

Valve has confirmed that elements of Orange Box have begun pre-loading on Steam in preparation for the game's release next week.

Portal and Half-Life 2: Episode Two should begin pre-loading for those who have pre-purchased The Orange Box - a set which also includes Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode One and Team Fortress 2.

Pre-purchasing the game will also grant gamers a 10% discount on the regular $49.99 price and access to the Team Fortress 2 beta.

Valve says the retail versions of The Orange Box will be released for PC and Xbox 360 across Europe on October 12. The PlayStation 3 version is to follow at a later date.