Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Steam Trading comes to Super Monday Night Combat, hats and costumes in tow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/steam-trading-comes-to-super-monday-night-combat-hats-and-costu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/steam-trading-comes-to-super-monday-night-combat-hats-and-costu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/steam-trading-comes-to-super-monday-night-combat-hats-and-costu/#comments Image
If you were home schooled through Kindergarten, or grew up as a single child, the concept of sharing may be foreign and difficult to understand, but allow us to break it down for you: By giving someone something they want, there's a good chance you'll receive something you want in return, either immediately or down the road!

It's a system that's worked well for millennia, and now it comes to Uber Entertainment's Super Monday Night Combat in the form of Steam Trading support, which allows Steam users to trade in-game items. To celebrate, two Super MNC hats ("Gunslinger Hat" and "Assassin Helmet") are now available in Team Fortress 2, earned by achieving levels five and 20 (respectively) in Super MNC. Conversely, TF2 costumes have been added to Super MNC: An Engineer's uniform for CombatGirl and a Soldier uniform (plus rocket launcher skin!) for Megabeth, unlocked at levels 10 and 15.

JoystiqSteam Trading comes to Super Monday Night Combat, hats and costumes in tow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CombatGirlmegabethpcsteamsteam-tradingsuper-mncsuper-monday-night-combatTeam-Fortress-2uber-entertainmentSat, 12 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 Perpetual Testing Initiative success leads to Workshop sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/portal-2-perpetual-testing-initiative-success-leads-to-workshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/portal-2-perpetual-testing-initiative-success-leads-to-workshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/portal-2-perpetual-testing-initiative-success-leads-to-workshop/#comments ImageValve's "Perpetual Testing Initiative" has already been yielding results, and they provide evidence for the hypothesis that people still like playing Portal 2. Since the DLC's release on May 8, the company reports that over 35,000 user-created maps have been uploaded, which have been downloaded over 1.3 million times.

To celebrate this successful experiment, Valve has discounted several items on Steam, including, of course, Portal 2, which costs just $6.79 right now! Fellow Steam Workshop title Skyrim is on sale for $40.19, and several Workshop items within Team Fortress 2 can be found for 50 percent off.

Continue reading Portal 2 Perpetual Testing Initiative success leads to Workshop sale

JoystiqPortal 2 Perpetual Testing Initiative success leads to Workshop sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcperpetual-testing-initiativeportal-2salesskyrimTeam-Fortress-2Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TF2 in 2012: 'Meet the Pyro' is coming, more secrets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/tf2-in-2012-meet-the-pyro-is-coming-more-secrets/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/tf2-in-2012-meet-the-pyro-is-coming-more-secrets/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/tf2-in-2012-meet-the-pyro-is-coming-more-secrets/#comments Valve has finally put together its schedule of events for 2012, announcing the big things happening in Team Fortress 2 in the coming months. Most notably, Valve says its final character video, Meet the Pyro, will air in 2012 and it will feature "lots of blood pretty much all the way through."

The TF2 team is also working on a secret project that isn't a hat or a map, Valve reports. This leaves speculation open to new characters, a feature-length film, a live-action feature-length film, or a live-action feature-length film starring Brendan Gleeson, Jude Law and Emma Stone. These are the only options.

The Steam Workshop has a shiny new blog, and Valve says it plans to unveil another secret at the second annual Saxxy Awards. We're pretty sure this secret will be the announcement of the TF2 movie's sequel, starring Katherine Heigl as Brendan Gleeson and Brendan Fraser as everyone else.

JoystiqTF2 in 2012: 'Meet the Pyro' is coming, more secrets originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmeet-the-pyromicrosoftpcplaystationps3pyroSecretssteam-workshopTeam-Fortress-2valvexboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: The Third straps on Team Fortress 2 hats]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/saints-row-the-third-straps-on-team-fortress-2-hats-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/saints-row-the-third-straps-on-team-fortress-2-hats-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/saints-row-the-third-straps-on-team-fortress-2-hats-on-steam/#comments Saints Fortress: The Third Saints Row: The Third is about to get some big-headed Valve love from Team Fortress 2. A set of Team Fortress 2 masks will be added to the Steam version of Saints Row: The Third this Tuesday, January 17, as revealed on the Saints Row website. The masks will be added via an automatic update, so anyone with a Steam copy should get the masks upon starting the game after the update is launched.

Now, if only we could get a Team Fortress 2 voice pack, we'd be in business. Boink!

JoystiqSaints Row: The Third straps on Team Fortress 2 hats originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcsaints-row-the-thirdsteamTeam-Fortress-2valvevolitionMon, 16 Jan 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam sales increase 100 percent for the seventh straight year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/steam-sales-increase-100-percent-for-the-seventh-straight-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/steam-sales-increase-100-percent-for-the-seventh-straight-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/steam-sales-increase-100-percent-for-the-seventh-straight-year/#comments Steam now hosts more than 40 million accounts and 1,800 games, and its 2011 year-over-year sales increased 100 percent for the seventh year in a row, Valve announced today with a ridiculously smug grin on its face (we assume). During the Holiday Sale, Steam clocked more than 5 million simultaneous users -- in perspective, that's easily more people than the entire population of Norway, all on Steam at the same time.

Steam served over 780 petabytes of data to gamers in 2011, more than doubling the amount delivered in 2010, Valve reported. More than 19 million items were traded in-game, Valve president Gabe Newell said, and he promised that more free-to-play titles will be launched in 2012 to supplement the 18 Steam already hosts.

Newell hasn't forgotten about Big Picture Mode, Valve's attempt to infiltrate living rooms with a top-boxy device that will offer Steam via controller navigation on "more screens throughout the house." Newell said Valve is "preparing for the launch" of Big Picture Mode, so we're guessing we can expect to see something concrete by 2015.

Continue reading Steam sales increase 100 percent for the seventh straight year

JoystiqSteam sales increase 100 percent for the seventh straight year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011big-picturebig-picture-modegabe-newellmacpcSTEAMTeam-Fortress-2valveFri, 06 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 update rings in second annual Australian Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/team-fortress-2-update-rings-in-second-annual-australian-christm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/team-fortress-2-update-rings-in-second-annual-australian-christm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/team-fortress-2-update-rings-in-second-annual-australian-christm/#comments Valve has unwrapped the second-annual Australian Christmas update for Team Fortress 2, bringing with it the kind of cheer that can only come from a pile of heavy-duty, particle-melting weapons and a brand new map to use them in. The update includes two new Dr. Grordbort weapon packs -- The Brainiac Pack for Engineer and The Moonman Pack for Pyro -- and Foundry, a new control-point map with 12 unique achievements.

Valve is also dropping 14 community-created holiday weapons in Nice Crates, and strings of festive weapon lights in Naughty Crates, through Dec. 22. More than 50 items in the Mann Co. store are up to 75 percent off through Jan. 2, and the in-game item-drop rate will be doubled for the first week of the event.

If that doesn't put you in a joyful mood, maybe a child stabbing Santa in the neck will -- read all about it in the new TF2 comic, "A Smissmas Story."

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 update rings in second annual Australian Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australian-christmasDr.-GrordbortpcSmissmasSpy-cicleTeam-Fortress-2updatevalveFri, 16 Dec 2011 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve gifts Notch his own head, on other people's heads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/valve-gifts-notch-his-own-head-on-other-peoples-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/valve-gifts-notch-his-own-head-on-other-peoples-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/valve-gifts-notch-his-own-head-on-other-peoples-heads/#comments It's official -- Notch, the creator of Minecraft and all-around Swedish dude, has made it big. In his most recent blog post, Notch describes his intense love for Valve's TF2 and then shows off the custom-made fancy hat that Valve made for his characters exclusively, called Top Notch. It's basically a cardboard box with square-ish pasties resembling Notch's Minecraft avatar worn over a character's entire head, and it's the sweetest gift we've seen in a long time.

Notch agrees, writing, "Hooooly cow. Thank you, Valve. You wouldn't believe the amount of medic I get now. Also, spies."

JoystiqValve gifts Notch his own head, on other people's heads originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hatsmicrosoftnotchpcplaystationps3Team-Fortress-2Top-NotchvalvexboxSat, 26 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve offers Heavy outfit for Saints Row: The Third pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/valve-offers-heavy-outfit-for-saints-row-the-third-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/valve-offers-heavy-outfit-for-saints-row-the-third-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/valve-offers-heavy-outfit-for-saints-row-the-third-pre-order/#comments To be a generic character in Team Fortress 2 nowadays is a constant humiliation, we're sure. But if you're a Heavy kinda guy -- er, rather, you like to play as the Heavy in Team Fortress 2 -- then you may wish to know about the gear that sparkly chap above is rocking.

Valve's skills of synergy have culminated in a new Saints Row-themed Heavy outfit. If one were to, say, pre-order Saints Row: The Third on Steam, then, say, their Heavy could wear a diamond-encrusted Luchador mask and wield giant, diamond-encrusted boxing gloves in Team Fortress 2. Actually, that's exactly what Valve is saying. That's the deal. That's exactly how this works.

Oh, we forgot to mention the tasteful sweater vest, too. You know, in case all of those diamonds didn't properly convey the classiness of this ensemble.

JoystiqValve offers Heavy outfit for Saints Row: The Third pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcpcpre-order-bonussaints-row-the-thirdsteamTeam-Fortress-2thqvalveSat, 12 Nov 2011 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Scream Fortress 2 returns with new comic, costumes and at least one haunted eyeball]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/scream-fortress-2-returns-with-new-comic-costumes-and-at-least/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/scream-fortress-2-returns-with-new-comic-costumes-and-at-least/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/scream-fortress-2-returns-with-new-comic-costumes-and-at-least/#comments If you've ever wondered why fanatical Valve devotees are so fanatically devoted, this is exactly why. The company's titles have an excellent sense of humor, sure, but its fun, intelligent stuff like this that endears the development studio to the hearts of gamers everywhere.

In celebration of everyone's favorite cosplay justification, Valve has released a free update for their free-to-play free-for-all Team Fortress 2, which promises an "ENORMOUS HAUNTED EYEBALL," as well as fresh 'chievos and costumes for each class. There's even a comic to provide a little backstory, which is worth checking out strictly for its artistic merit, even if TF2 isn't your jam.

JoystiqScream Fortress 2 returns with new comic, costumes and at least one haunted eyeball originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halloweenmacpcTeam-Fortress-2TF2valveSun, 30 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve has no idea why almost 30 percent of TF2 players spend cash in the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/valve-has-no-idea-why-almost-30-percent-of-tf2-players-spend-cas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/valve-has-no-idea-why-almost-30-percent-of-tf2-players-spend-cas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/valve-has-no-idea-why-almost-30-percent-of-tf2-players-spend-cas/#comments "We don't understand what's going on," said Valve co-founder Gabe Newell, during last week's WTIA TechNW panel in Seattle. According to Newell, 20 to 30 percent of the people who play Team Fortress 2 end up spending money on the title's various microtransactions, far beyond the average two to three percent "conversion" Valve's partners are reporting.

"There seems to be something about the content that significantly changes how your monetization occurs, with apparently much broader participation than you would see out of something like FarmVille." When Team Fortress 2 relaunched as a free-to-play title back in June, the title's user base increased by "a factor of 5," which Newell attributes to TF2's designation as "free-to-play" rather than simply free: "You have to start thinking about how value creation actually occurs, and what it is that people are valuing, and what the statement that something is free-to-play implies about the future value of the experience that they're going to have."

Hey Valve, wanna know the secret? It's the hats. People love hats.

JoystiqValve has no idea why almost 30 percent of TF2 players spend cash in the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabe-newellmacMicrotransactionsmoneypcsteamteam-fortressTeam-Fortress-2valveTue, 25 Oct 2011 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve celebrates one year of Mann Co. with 'Manniversary' sale, new features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/valve-celebrates-one-year-of-mann-co-with-manniversary-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/valve-celebrates-one-year-of-mann-co-with-manniversary-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/valve-celebrates-one-year-of-mann-co-with-manniversary-sale/#comments Little over a year ago, Valve introduced a store into Team Fortress 2 that allowed players to purchase in-game goods with real-world cash -- heck, even the more creative can prosper from this storefront by selling their own goods. Or players could simply engage in bartering through item trades. But it's those item creators that are the focus of the latest update for the game.

Today, Valve has announced that in celebration of a year of capitalism and these creators who have taken advantage of it, collectively earning a total of $2 million over the last year, some new features will be added in a "Manniversary Update." Steam Workshop is one key new feature, which sports "an improved item submission system that allows community item-creators to test, share and track the status of their creations." The community can even browse submitted creations now and even rate and offer feedback.

30 new hats and other cosmetic items will also be added, plus an item decal system, a "try before you buy" item tryout feature spanning a week, loadout presets, miscellaneous item slots, and some gameplay tweaks. There's also a new taunt, if you're one of those types of people who enjoy humiliating your fellow man. Hey, no judgment here!

Finally, in addition to all of that, everything in the Mann Co. store will be on sale until Monday, October 17.

Continue reading Valve celebrates one year of Mann Co. with 'Manniversary' sale, new features

JoystiqValve celebrates one year of Mann Co. with 'Manniversary' sale, new features originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mann-comanniversary-updatepcsteamTeam-Fortress-2valveFri, 14 Oct 2011 03:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 running via web browser, world's fate in question]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/team-fortress-2-running-via-web-browser-worlds-fate-in-questio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/team-fortress-2-running-via-web-browser-worlds-fate-in-questio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/team-fortress-2-running-via-web-browser-worlds-fate-in-questio/#comments Team Fortress 2
When future civilizations dig up the remnants of our civilzation, they will learn that our fall was predicated by a single event. Namely, Brandon Jones' porting of Team Fortress 2 to WebGL (i.e. web browsers). Thankfully, it's merely a demonstration and isn't actually playable - yet. Frankly, if someone manages to make Team Fortress 2 even more accessible, we're not sure humanity will have the mental fortitude to withstand it.

You can learn more about the technical aspects of the demo (or even download the source code) over at Jones' website, TojiCode.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 running via web browser, world's fate in question originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandon-jonesbrowsermacpcTeam-Fortress-2tojicodevalveMon, 10 Oct 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Dungeon Defenders on Steam, get a Portal gun and tiny TF2 guys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/pre-order-dungeon-defenders-on-steam-get-a-portal-gun-and-tiny/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/pre-order-dungeon-defenders-on-steam-get-a-portal-gun-and-tiny/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/09/pre-order-dungeon-defenders-on-steam-get-a-portal-gun-and-tiny/#comments

Valve loves itself so much that it puts its own games into other studios' work on Steam -- we don't want to call it incestuous, but, well. It's kind of incestuous. Dungeon Defenders is the latest victim game to have a healthy Valve infusion, with pre-orders getting The Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device for the Huntress class and four Team Fortress 2 familiars, Heavy, Medic, Engineer and Pyro. Check out how these goodies work above and pre-order Dungeon Defenders on Steam, if you're into that sort of thing.

JoystiqPre-order Dungeon Defenders on Steam, get a Portal gun and tiny TF2 guys originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-defendersincestpcportalpre-order-bonusSTEAMTeam-Fortress-2valveSun, 09 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Eric Ruth's Team Fortress Arcade available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/eric-ruths-team-fortress-arcade-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/eric-ruths-team-fortress-arcade-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/eric-ruths-team-fortress-arcade-available-now/#comments Insert Coin Itching to get your hands on the Team Fortress beat-em-up demake from Eric Ruth? Well, itch no more, as Team Fortress Arcade is now available as a free PC download. Team Fortress Arcade takes Valve's popular shooter and turns it into an old-school, four-player arcade romp, complete with player abilities based on each class' weaponry (everything from turrets to sticky bombs).

You can grab it now from Piki Geek (again, it's free).

JoystiqEric Ruth's Team Fortress Arcade available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eric-rutheric-ruth-gamespcTeam-Fortress-2team-fortress-arcadeThu, 29 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch some people who are better than you play TF2 and Counter-Strike today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/watch-some-people-who-are-better-than-you-play-tf2-and-counter-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/watch-some-people-who-are-better-than-you-play-tf2-and-counter-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/watch-some-people-who-are-better-than-you-play-tf2-and-counter-s/#comments

Another lazy Saturday, another attempt at browsing Netflix (or waiting for your Qwikster DVDs, you neanderthal), more multicolored bowls of Fruity Pebbles. If you want something more exciting than Ip Man and a sugar rush this weekend, check out the Team Fortress 2 and Counter-Strike ESEA Season 9 LAN Finals right here, live from Dallas, Texas. The Finals will crown a champion tomorrow, where all winning teams will get a split of the $67,000 pot. Not too shabby for a well-timed frag.

Continue reading Watch some people who are better than you play TF2 and Counter-Strike today

JoystiqWatch some people who are better than you play TF2 and Counter-Strike today originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>counter-strike-1.6counter-strike-sourcepcTeam-Fortress-2Sat, 24 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan-made trailer pays tribute to Skyrim using Team Fortress 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/fan-made-trailer-pays-tribute-to-skyrim-using-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/fan-made-trailer-pays-tribute-to-skyrim-using-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/fan-made-trailer-pays-tribute-to-skyrim-using-team-fortress-2/#comments
If you thought footage of Skyrim up until now has been epic, then you should check out this fan-made homage made with Team Fortress 2. The only thing it's missing is an infinite number of dragons!

JoystiqFan-made trailer pays tribute to Skyrim using Team Fortress 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimteam-fortress-2the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimvalvexboxThu, 15 Sep 2011 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Steam Trading leaves beta, now official]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/psa-steam-trading-leaves-beta-now-official/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/psa-steam-trading-leaves-beta-now-official/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/psa-steam-trading-leaves-beta-now-official/#comments Friendship. Valve has announced that its Steam Trading beta program has ended and that the service is now available to all Steam users. Steam Trading allows users to trade in-game items with one another. At the moment, the only games to support the new service are Team Fortress 2, Portal 2 and Spiral Knights. Valve notes, however, that it is "working with other developers to incorporate Trading and Inventories into their games, so keep an eye out for future announcements in the coming months."

Perhaps more interesting than the ability to trade in-game items, however, is the ability to trade Steam gifts. Any game that was purchased as a gift (or as an extra copy as part of a bundle) can be traded for items or other Steam gifts. Naturally, there are some restrictions, most notably that any such game must never have been played. Once a Steam gift has been opened, it can no longer be traded.

As part of the service, all Steam users now have an inventory that can be viewed by other users (so long as your profile is public). Check out the full Steam Trading FAQ here.

JoystiqPSA: Steam Trading leaves beta, now official originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcsteamsteam-tradingTeam-Fortress-2valveTue, 06 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deus Ex items grafted onto Team Fortress 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/deus-ex-items-grafted-onto-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/deus-ex-items-grafted-onto-team-fortress-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/deus-ex-items-grafted-onto-team-fortress-2/#comments
The following is a paid advertisement from the Advocates for Human Purity.

Friends, you've seen them at the docks, using their robotic limbs to put our organic brothers out of work. You've seen them at the bars, throwing their cyber-hootenannies, what with all the oil-drinking contests and their literal Electric Slide. That's right, we're talking about cyborgs -- and they've just gone too far.

Because now, they've injected their influence into a first-person shooter, Team Fortress 2. This otherwise innocuous game, full of hardworking organics, is being sullied with cybernetic arms, futuristic weapons like the "Machina" rifle and electric sunglasses.

Sure, they say it's all a harmless nod to Deus Ex: Human Revolution, but you know the truth: They've taken over your life, and now they're targeting your children (and your 20-something son who moved back in while he waits for his photography career to take off).

Friends, you were stone cold silent when they got their hands on Steve Austin, you were beary quiet when Teddy Ruxpin growled at your toddlers.

Isn't it time you spoke up?

[Thanks, Micah]

JoystiqDeus Ex items grafted onto Team Fortress 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutionmacpcSquare-EnixTeam-Fortress-2valveFri, 19 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Trading beta lets you exchange in-game items for games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/steam-trading-beta-lets-you-exchange-in-game-items-for-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/steam-trading-beta-lets-you-exchange-in-game-items-for-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/steam-trading-beta-lets-you-exchange-in-game-items-for-games/#comments It may still be known officially as "Steam," but after this week's announcement of the Steam Trading beta, we're referring to the service's virtual world as "Bartertown." As of today, Steam users can opt-in to the "Steam Trading" beta program, giving them the opportunity to trade Team Fortress 2 items and Steam gifts with other Steam users.

For now, the only game that supports the trading of items is Team Fortress 2, but Valve says support for Portal 2 will arrive "reasonably soon," and that it plans on offering support for "several third-party games in the next few months." Interested parties can participate by simply heading into the Steam client settings and selecting the option to opt-in to the Steam Trading beta. As participants ourselves, for the next 12 hours we'll be accepting any and all copies of full games for a very special, one-of-a-kind Team Fortress 2 hat, hand-selected by the Joystiq staff member of your choice*.

*Choice is limited to Joystiq staff members available at time of trade. Joystiq reserves the right to refuse choice based on a variety of factors, but mostly whim.

JoystiqSteam Trading beta lets you exchange in-game items for games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betamacpcportal-2steamsteam-tradingsteam-trading-betaTeam-Fortress-2valvevalve-softwareWed, 10 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2: Sentry Sabotage! short would make an excellent TV show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/team-fortress-2-sentry-sabotage-short-would-make-an-excellent/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/team-fortress-2-sentry-sabotage-short-would-make-an-excellent/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/team-fortress-2-sentry-sabotage-short-would-make-an-excellent/#comments
After watching this short, we're not only convinced that a live-action Team Fortress 2 can be done well, we also adamantly want it to happen. Like, bad. Hey AMC, you're taking a lot of risks these days, how 'bout adding another original series to the pile?

[Thanks, Micah!]

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2: Sentry Sabotage! short would make an excellent TV show originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fan-videolive-actionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Team-Fortress-2TF2ValvexboxYouTubeSat, 06 Aug 2011 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 gets to play with classic QuakeCon weapons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/team-fortress-2-gets-to-play-with-classic-quakecon-weapons/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/team-fortress-2-gets-to-play-with-classic-quakecon-weapons/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/team-fortress-2-gets-to-play-with-classic-quakecon-weapons/#comments Team Fortress 2 just had a futuristic weapons update with Dr. Grordbort's Infallible Aether Oscillators, and now Valve is going old-school. To celebrate QuakeCon 2011, which kicked off yesterday in Dallas, TF2 is getting a bevy of Bethesda and id Software gear as part of the QuakeCon Steam Sale (a different deal each day!). The following items correspond with different daily deals, but are all available through 10 a.m. EDT August 8:
  • "The Original" Quake rocket launcher (Soldier), free with Quake IV purchase
  • The Wingstick, based on a RAGE weapon (Engineer), free with RAGE pre-order
  • The Dragonborn helmet from Skyrim (Heavy), free with Skyrim pre-order
  • The Anger hood from Brink (Sniper), free with Brink purchase/ownership
  • A Fallout Pip-Boy (Engineer), free with Fallout: New Vegas purchase/ownership

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 gets to play with classic QuakeCon weapons originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brinkelder-scrolls-5Fallout-New-VegaspcQuakerageskyrimSTEAMTeam-Fortress-2the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdatevalveFri, 05 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[From Dust PC gets Ubisoft DRM, Steam pre-purchase bonus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/from-dust-pc-gets-ubisoft-drm-steam-pre-purchase-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/from-dust-pc-gets-ubisoft-drm-steam-pre-purchase-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/from-dust-pc-gets-ubisoft-drm-steam-pre-purchase-bonus/#comments For being such wildly different games, From Dust and Driver: San Francisco sure have a lot in common. They were both recently delayed, for example, and now news has hit that From Dust will follow Driver's lead by making use of Ubisoft's ubiquitous "Ubisoft Online Service" digital rights management platform.

Unlike Driver, however, no announcement was made regarding From Dust's DRMyness; Steam's now-live pre-purchase page unceremoniously broke the news to the PC gaming community. The controversial DRM platform requires a permanent internet connection in order to play any game it governs, and while the company has loosened restrictions on high-profile games in the past, it's unclear whether or not history will repeat itself. For now, take solace in knowing that your pre-purchase will net you a "Mask of the Shaman" item for Team Fortress 2.

JoystiqFrom Dust PC gets Ubisoft DRM, Steam pre-purchase bonus originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver-san-franciscoDRMfrom-dustpcPre-Orderpre-order-bonusproject-dustSteamTeam-Fortress-2UbisoftSat, 30 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WETA Workshop takes time off from The Hobbit to design for TF2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/weta-workshop-takes-time-off-from-the-hobbit-to-design-for-tf2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/weta-workshop-takes-time-off-from-the-hobbit-to-design-for-tf2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/weta-workshop-takes-time-off-from-the-hobbit-to-design-for-tf2/#comments In case you missed it buried behind the Soldier's glorious mutton chops, Team Fortress 2's new weapons from Dr. Grordbort's Infallible Aether Oscillators were created in conjunction with WETA Workshop, the makers of Orcs, Na'vi and Prawns for most of the blockbuster movies of this generation.

WETA's Greg Broadmore designed Dr. Grordbort's Infallible Aether Oscillators, which include the Righteous Bison and Cow Mangler 5000, two new weapons in the Victory Pack. To better acquaint players with these stellar WETA weapons, Valve has posted a comic featuring the Soldier and WETA promises special promo coupons at its booth at San Diego Comic-Con. Just watch out for the cow pies.

JoystiqWETA Workshop takes time off from The Hobbit to design for TF2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comic-con-2011pcsdcc-2011STEAMTeam-Fortress-2valvevictory-packWETASat, 23 Jul 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 demade into a 2D beat-em-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/team-fortress-2-demade-into-a-2d-beat-em-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/team-fortress-2-demade-into-a-2d-beat-em-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/team-fortress-2-demade-into-a-2d-beat-em-up/#comments
One-man development house Eric Ruth Games has revealed its next project, Team Fortress Arcade, this time turning the first-person antics of Team Fortress 2 into an old-school, side-scrolling beat-em-up. Each character has weapons and abilities consistent with its class in Team Fortress 2. The Demoman, for example, can blast out sticky bombs that explode whenever he jumps, and the Engineer builds turrets that can be upgraded with a few quick whacks of the wrench.

Piki Geek landed a hands-on session with the game along with an interview with Ruth himself, which you can see in the video above. Team Fortress Arcade is planned to be released as a free download on the Eric Ruth Games website later this summer.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 demade into a 2D beat-em-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demakeeric-rutheric-ruth-gamesindiepcTeam-Fortress-2valveTue, 19 Jul 2011 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the scenes on TF2's 'Meet the Medic']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/behind-the-scenes-on-tf2s-meet-the-medic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/behind-the-scenes-on-tf2s-meet-the-medic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/behind-the-scenes-on-tf2s-meet-the-medic/#comments
It's fun to imagine that the Team Fortress 2 "Meet the ___" videos all spring magically from some Valve team giggle-fest. In reality, however, they require some real thought and work. The Team Fortress blog has posted the story behind the recently released "Meet the Medic" video, and it went through more iterations than you might think.

Ideas ranged from a Medic vacation to the origin of the Medigun, and a few made it into the final product. The article includes a few outtakes from early work on the short. You can see one of them above, which played on clichéd "don't you die on me" moments often seen in film and television. Head over to the Team Fortress blog for the full story and more outtakes.

JoystiqBehind the scenes on TF2's 'Meet the Medic' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcTeam-Fortress-2valveTue, 12 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Horse compiles Valve comics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/dark-horse-compiles-valve-comics/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/dark-horse-compiles-valve-comics/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/dark-horse-compiles-valve-comics/#comments Dark Horse Comics has revealed Valve Presents: The Sacrifice and Other Steam-Powered Stories. According to the listing on Comic Book Resources, the 304-page book contains Left 4 Dead's The Sacrifice comic, along with stories from the worlds of Team Fortress 2 and Portal.

The comic book compilation will launch on November 16 for $29.99. Although there are no further details regarding the Portal and TF2 comics, we'd guess they are Valve's online comics in physical form.

JoystiqDark Horse compiles Valve comics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comiccomicsleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2macmicrosoftpcplaystationportal-2ps3Team-Fortress-2ValvexboxTue, 12 Jul 2011 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 Free2BeKicked mod creator speaks on F2P transition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/team-fortress-2-free2bekicked-mod-creator-speaks-on-f2p-transiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/team-fortress-2-free2bekicked-mod-creator-speaks-on-f2p-transiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/team-fortress-2-free2bekicked-mod-creator-speaks-on-f2p-transiti/#comments Turns out the guy who created the "Free2BeKicked" mod for Team Fortress 2 (that kicks players who joined after the free-to-play changeover off of private servers completely) doesn't have the courage of his convictions. His name is Asher Baker, and Giant Bomb held a quick interview with him, in which he says he's not in favor of banning new players just because they wanted to check out a free game.

He does, however, say that "a community needs a barrier to entry," and "if there is no barrier to entry -- and no recourse against those people [who take advantage] -- it could be bad." Users are unhappy about the mod, though Valve hasn't made a ruling on it just yet (and while Baker says the company probably wouldn't be happy with it, it is running on private servers, presumably out of Valve's reach). Baker says he's even received death threats about the mod, but given that this is a game about shooting, stabbing and generally blowing other players up, who knows how serious those are.

In the end, Baker says free-to-play could go either way for the game's community. "It's brought in lots of new players, but I'm not sure it's worth the long-term cost," he says. "I think that once the droves of inexperienced players dies down, we're going to be left with a (slow) steady stream of new players, but primarily just cheaters and people evading server bans."

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 Free2BeKicked mod creator speaks on F2P transition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asher-bakerfree-2-be-kickedfree-to-playfree2bekickedmodpcTeam-Fortress-2team-fortress-2-valvevalve-softwareThu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 players segregate F2P users with insta-ban]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/team-fortress-2-players-segregate-f2p-users-with-insta-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/team-fortress-2-players-segregate-f2p-users-with-insta-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/team-fortress-2-players-segregate-f2p-users-with-insta-ban/#comments Since Team Fortress 2 went free-to-play, the game has gotten a little less "team" and a lot more "fortress," while the "2" has been rudely ignored. Angry paid-account players are now using a mod called "Free2BeKicked" to ban all users with a free version of TF2 from their sacred, private servers, in what may soon come to be called Frontier Justice: Apartheid Edition.

Free-game players are demanding Valve ban the mod, but as it is used on private servers, Valve's hands are tied. The mod isn't all-exclusive -- anyone who buys an item from the Valve store can bypass its check and be considered a paying player, although according to Botchweed, it would be possible to create a mod to accept only full-game purchasers. Any player can still join an official server without discrimination, but we'd avoid any servers titled "Keeping the Kore Kapable: n00bs Welcome!"

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 players segregate F2P users with insta-ban originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banfree-to-playmodn00bpcTeam-Fortress-2Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet Team Fortress 2's Medic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/meet-team-fortress-2s-medic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/meet-team-fortress-2s-medic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/meet-team-fortress-2s-medic/#comments Did you know that the Medic in Team Fortress 2 isn't even licensed to practice medicine? It seems he's rather fond of ... unconventional methods, some of which involve "Mega Baboon" hearts. Let's just say there's more to the ÜberCharge than you may have realized.

Continue reading Meet Team Fortress 2's Medic

JoystiqMeet Team Fortress 2's Medic originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmeet-the-medicpcTeam-Fortress-2valveFri, 24 Jun 2011 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve relaunching Team Fortress 2 as free-to-play title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/valve-relaunching-team-fortress-2-as-free-to-play-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/valve-relaunching-team-fortress-2-as-free-to-play-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/valve-relaunching-team-fortress-2-as-free-to-play-title/#comments Develop has posted an interview with Team Fortress 2 developer Robin Walker in which he says that the company has decided to make the popular class-based shooter completely free-to-play, supported only by microtransactions. Walker says the game has experimented with multiple price points over its long history (including allowing players to play for free during temporary periods) and that making this transition now "feels like a fairly straightforward next step along the 'Games as Services' path we've been walking down for a while now."

Walker also says that this is a model that specifically fits the multiplayer game at this moment in the product's life, when Valve is trying to reach as many players as it possibly can. The permanent price drop won't affect development on the game at all, but monetization will only go through the game's item shop. You can read more in the interview, live now over at Develop.

There's no official word on any of this from Valve yet, on either the Steam blog or the official Team Fortress 2 site. We are scheduled to hear about the next update today (and even see a "Meet the Medic" video) and the game was set to go free for just a week, but this is obviously a more permanent direction. We've contacted Valve and will post more here when we get it.

Update: Valve's Doug Lombardi has responded to us with a simple confirmation: "Yep." Enjoy your free TF2, kids!

Update: The site has been updated as well. The game's completely free to play, forever!

JoystiqValve relaunching Team Fortress 2 as free-to-play title originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playin-game-storeitemsmicrotransactionspcrobin-walkerteam-fortressTeam-Fortress-2valveThu, 23 Jun 2011 20:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2's Uber Update continues with Timbuk Tuesday, World War Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/team-fortress-2s-uber-update-continues-with-timbuk-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/team-fortress-2s-uber-update-continues-with-timbuk-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/team-fortress-2s-uber-update-continues-with-timbuk-tuesday/#comments You gotta give it up to Valve. Team Fortress 2 is just shy of being a nineteen-year-old game (jokes!) and the developer is still dishing out fresh, free content. The Über Update festivities continue this week, revealing several new items for the Sniper and the Demoman.

First up, the Sniper gets a new rifle and new melee weapon: the Bazaar Bargain applies bonuses for each consecutive head shot, while the Shahanshah sword gives damage bonuses when low on health. And, yes, we had to quadruple-check how to spell the name of that damn sword.

As for the Demo, he gains access to a new shield called The Splendid Screen, which gives him a ridiculous boost to his charge shot damage and the ability to inflict charge shot damage at any range. Plus he also gets some resistances to fire and explosive damage. The Persian Persuader, his new sword, allows him to convert ammo into health, while Ali Baba's Wee Booties, a new pair of kicks for the Scot, give him a boost to max health and greater turning control while charging.

Today also brings some goodies: World War Wednesday sees the soldier get two new class packs, including a speedier rocket launcher, a new shotgun and some boots that allow the Soldier to deal out extra damage when falling onto unsuspecting enemies. If you want to see these items up close, hit up the source link below to check out Valve's posts.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2's Uber Update continues with Timbuk Tuesday, World War Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcsteamTeam-Fortress-2the-demomanthe-sniperuber-updatevalveWed, 22 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve preps Team Fortress 2 for 'The Uber Update']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/valve-preps-team-fortress-2-for-the-uber-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/valve-preps-team-fortress-2-for-the-uber-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/valve-preps-team-fortress-2-for-the-uber-update/#comments Just how big is this week's going "Über Update" for Team Fortress 2? To give you some idea, only one of the following statements is a fabrication:

1) A new "Meet the Medic" short will be released
2) There's a new class pack for the Heavy and Spy, Mobster Monday, with another on the way
3) The game is totally free to play all day
4) We once hit and killed a homeless man with a car and hid his body in a lake and just admitting that out loud is so freeing, we can't believe we spent so much time in a prison of guilt

Did you spot the gag? Yep, Team Fortress 2 is actually free to play all week, not all day! Sorry, just having a little fun.

[Thanks, Tyler N.]

JoystiqValve preps Team Fortress 2 for 'The Uber Update' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmacpcsteamTeam-Fortress-2uber-updatevalveTue, 21 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[These Team Fortress 2 pin-ups would look great hanging anywhere]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/these-team-fortress-2-pin-ups-would-look-great-hanging-anywhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/these-team-fortress-2-pin-ups-would-look-great-hanging-anywhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/these-team-fortress-2-pin-ups-would-look-great-hanging-anywhere/#comments Not that we have a garage (or would know what to do in one), but that's where our dad used to hang the "classy" calendars he would get from Car & Wrenches Quarterly. We'd probably do the same thing with these sexy female centerfolds of each class in Team Fortress 2.

Continue reading These Team Fortress 2 pin-ups would look great hanging anywhere

JoystiqThese Team Fortress 2 pin-ups would look great hanging anywhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3steamteam-fortress-2valvexboxTue, 24 May 2011 01:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 'Replay Update' adds video recording and editing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/team-fortress-2-replay-update-adds-video-recording-and-editing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/team-fortress-2-replay-update-adds-video-recording-and-editing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/team-fortress-2-replay-update-adds-video-recording-and-editing/#comments Team Fortress 2 updates tend to be good news for everyone, and the latest one is no exception. If you actually play TF2, you can now download the "Replay Update," allowing you to save and edit video replays of your matches, share them on Steam and upload them to YouTube. The update also brings new achievements and, like everything else that happens in this game, new hats.

But if you don't play Team Fortress 2, you still get a hilarious comic. You'll also get some entertainment in the form of the "Saxxy Awards" -- Valve is offering prizes for the best videos in 20 categories. If you think you can record a really spectacular death, get to it! You have until May 19. If you don't want to contribute, just get some popcorn.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 'Replay Update' adds video recording and editing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 May 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcreplayreplay-updatesteamTeam-Fortress-2updatevalveyoutubeFri, 06 May 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 update is devoid of hats, full of training and tips]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/team-fortress-2-update-is-devoid-of-hats-full-of-training-and-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/team-fortress-2-update-is-devoid-of-hats-full-of-training-and-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/team-fortress-2-update-is-devoid-of-hats-full-of-training-and-t/#comments The latest update to Valve's Team Fortress 2 is bizarrely characterized by what it doesn't contain: hats. No hats to be seen here, folks! Rather than stuff the patch with new, digital chapeaus, Valve has added somewhat beefier offerings, like a matchmaking system that sets up inexperienced players with a "Coach," new training exercises for the Spy, Engineer and Demoman, and a redesigning of the KOTH_Badlands map.

You can check out the full list of updates after the jump -- though, if you're like us, you'll probably just peruse the list while hunting for any surreptitious Portal 2 ARG clues. They're everywhere, we tell you!

Continue reading Team Fortress 2 update is devoid of hats, full of training and tips

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 update is devoid of hats, full of training and tips originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcsteamTeam-Fortress-2updatevalveFri, 15 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 hats raise $430,000 for Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/team-fortress-2-hats-raise-430-000-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/team-fortress-2-hats-raise-430-000-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/team-fortress-2-hats-raise-430-000-for-japan/#comments Valve has announced the total sum brought in during its two-week Team Fortress 2 charity drive, which sold three limited edition in-game hats to raise funds for the Japanese disaster relief fund. The amount is beyond incredible: In just 14 days, the TF2 community gave $430,543.65 to aid in recover efforts following the devastating earthquake which hit Japan on March 11.

If you managed to miss out on this promotion, don't worry -- much like the charitable Team Fortress 2 hats pictured above, donating to the Red Cross' Japanese disaster relief efforts never goes out of style.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 hats raise $430,000 for Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydisaster-reliefhatsjapanpcTeam-Fortress-2valveSat, 09 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 in-game hats raise $300k for quake relief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/team-fortress-2-in-game-hats-raise-300k-for-quake-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/team-fortress-2-in-game-hats-raise-300k-for-quake-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/team-fortress-2-in-game-hats-raise-300k-for-quake-relief/#comments We usually tint stories about in-game digital goods that people bought with out-of-game, for-real money with notes of disbelief -- but for this particular post, we've got nothing but heartwarming respect. The three hats recently added to Team Fortress 2, available for a charitable donation of $7.99, $19.99 or $99.99, have pulled in over $300,000 in just one week for disaster relief in Japan.

You've got time to bump that total up even more. The Humanitarian's Hachimaki, Benefactor's Kanmuri and Magnanimous Monarch (pictured above) will be available until April 4. We guarantee that they're stylin', profilin' and remarkably altruistic.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 in-game hats raise $300k for quake relief originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disaster-reliefhatsjapanpcTeam-Fortress-2valveWed, 30 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We wish these Team Fortress 2 (and Portal) concept shirts were real]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/we-wish-these-team-fortress-2-and-portal-concept-shirts-were-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/we-wish-these-team-fortress-2-and-portal-concept-shirts-were-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/we-wish-these-team-fortress-2-and-portal-concept-shirts-were-r/#comments As the self-appointed arbiters of video game fashion, we can confidently say that Jay Ford's series of Team Fortress 2 shirts (with a bonus Portal tee!) are both clever and fresh. Now, if only they were a real thing we could purchase and drape across our bodies. Check out all the designs below!

Continue reading We wish these Team Fortress 2 (and Portal) concept shirts were real

JoystiqWe wish these Team Fortress 2 (and Portal) concept shirts were real originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apparelclothingJay-Fordmicrosoftpcplaystationportalps3shirtsTeam-Fortress-2valvexboxFri, 25 Mar 2011 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 hats help Japan relief effort]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/team-fortress-2-hats-help-japan-relief-effort/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/team-fortress-2-hats-help-japan-relief-effort/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/team-fortress-2-hats-help-japan-relief-effort/#comments Valve is currently supporting the Japanese relief effort with three limited edition hats in the Team Fortress 2 store. The Mann Co. is offering the "Humanitarian's Hachimaki" for $7.99, the "Benefactor's Kanmuri" for $19.99 and the honorable "Magnanimous Monarch" for the big relief spender at $99.99. The hats can be equipped by all classes, but can't be traded nor used in crafting.

The items will be available until April 6 and all proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross' Japanese disaster relief fund. If you don't like hats, the Red Cross has a handy site to which you can donate directly.

[Thanks, Tyler]

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 hats help Japan relief effort originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-red-crossJapanjapan-relief-roundupmacpcred-crossTeam-Fortress-2ValveThu, 24 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Demo Knight is latest from 'Law Abiding Engineer' creator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/the-demo-knight-is-latest-from-law-abiding-engineer-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/the-demo-knight-is-latest-from-law-abiding-engineer-creator/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/the-demo-knight-is-latest-from-law-abiding-engineer-creator/#comments If you haven't seen OneMoreUser's Team Fortress 2/Law Abiding Citizen mashup, "Law Abiding Engineer," you should go watch it right now. We'll wait. All done? Good. Now that you're familiar with OneMoreUser's work, it's time to watch his latest masterpiece.

We think the name alone should sufficiently pique your interest: "The Demo Knight." There, now watch it after the break. Also, you're welcome.

[Thanks, Timerider]

Continue reading The Demo Knight is latest from 'Law Abiding Engineer' creator

JoystiqThe Demo Knight is latest from 'Law Abiding Engineer' creator originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftonemoreuserpcplaystationps3Team-Fortress-2xboxWed, 09 Mar 2011 19:50:00 EST