Valve has announced that Fallout 3, the highly anticipated post-nuclear roleplaying game releasing next week, is now available to pre-purchase on Steam for $49.99.

The pre-purchase allows players to download the PC version of the game in advance of its release, so it’s all ready to play come launch day.

“Fallout 3 is one of the most important PC launches of 2008,” said Gabe Newell, co-founder and president of Valve. “Last year, we were able to deliver major releases such as Bioshock and Call of Duty 4 to the millions of gamers connected to Steam. With Fallout 3 added to the line up of great titles coming to Steam, this year promises to be an even better holiday season for Steam gamers.”

Fallout 3 launches in the UK next Friday on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, and our review will be hitting the site next week.

Have you downloaded the latest issue from GamerZines yet? Check it out here!