The countdown to one of the biggest PC game launches this Fall has officially begun, as Vivendi Universal Games today announced the October 18th global street date for F.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault Recon) from Sierra Entertainment. Additionally, VU Games unveiled plans to release an all-new F.E.A.R. multi-player demo in late September.

“As evidenced by the popularity of the single-player demo and the early critical praise from game reviewers, F.E.A.R. has already become the must-have game to own this Fall,” said Philip W. O’Neil, Chief Operating Officer and President, North America for VU Games. “Delivering a global street date of October 18, 2005 will ensure that the game simultaneously hits retail shelves around the world on the same day and will enable hundreds of thousands of gamers to experience the thrill of F.E.A.R. together.”

Last week, VU Games announced that a special “Director’s Edition” DVD will be release in North America, which will include exclusive content. The DVD will feature a “Making of F.E.A.R.” documentary, a developer’s roundtable commentary video, live action “declassified” interviews with Alma, and an exclusive F.E.A.R machinima episode from Rooster Teeth Productions of Red vs. Blue fame. Gamers who pre-order F.E.A.R. Director’s Edition DVD will also receive $5 off the final SRP when the game hits streets on October 18th.