Poll: Why TF2 (and Valve) is worrying me

[Last Bullet]

First the steamworks thing, which is totally not zef or cool at all, and now this Mann. Co. thing, which is also not zef or cool, /quote] What steamworks thing? I'm a tad confused.

As for the hats, it seems the ones that actually do anything cost a bunch to buy, but is still dropped randomly. What's the problem here?

 

[Twilight_guy]

Valve is making money off a micro-transaction system. Tons of games do this. I don't see anything wrong with it other than its a piece of evidence against the conventional notion that Valve hates money and would give away games if they could. It's actually a smart thing and is making quiet a bit of money so what's wrong with that?

The only problem I might see is if you think store exclusives and the whole crate incentive to buy keys things means that people who don't buy don't get access to the same stuff. If that's the case then the Pub club must really burn your biscuits. Welcome to a world with Premium membership for people who pay more. Welcome to capitalism.

 

[mrpenguinismyhomeboy]

Its that whole buying in game items with real money thing. The Mann. Co. Store. Especially the fact that the key for the supply crates cost $2.49 and only gives you one friggen use. That ridiculous.

Is anyone else annoyed by the fact that Valve seem to be toying with our trust? First the steamworks thing, which is totally not zef or cool at all, and now this Mann. Co. thing, which is also not zef or cool, and no one seems to be complaining. I always thought Valve was a better company then this and was always interested in the gamer, but I'm starting to lose that image.

Does this annoy anyone else, or am I just a little non-conformist?

Dear user,

Know your place before posting moronic comments about an entire industry that's been surviving with microtransaction stores , you clearly have no idea what your talking about since entire games have been surviving with income coming from microtransactions. The trick is to make a general set of weapons that everyone can use within the game and then creating variations that make upgrades to the original set and creating new weapons and items as time goes on. IT"S COMMON BUSINESS, THEY'VE MADE SO MANY UPDATES THAT THEYRE COMPLETELY OUT OF IDEAS. All that remains is to release the final meet the medic and flamer videos. After that they pretty much have no other updates except new maps D:, know about an industry before bitching like a fanboy

Self Esteem -1

But I do see your point.

 

[Jiefu]

Just to clarify things, you can also buy or craft the hats. 4 Refined Metal + A Polycount pack item for the class = Polycount hat for the class.

Plus, *none* of the item sets provide a true gameplay advantage. Sniper's Sydney Sleeper is basically junk, making the set basically junk. The Degreaser is notably less powerful, and the set bonus requires you to use the Powerjack, which goes better with the regular flamethrower. The Scout has to use Mad Milk as a secondary, which reduces his offensive power significantly. The Pistol is great for gunning down unattended sentries, which Mad Milk can not do. Soldier has to give up his Shotgun AND use the Black Box, both of which severely hamper his offensive ability as well, all he gets out of the set bonus is an modest increase in sentry breaking (which he could easily use the Direct Hit for instead). The Spy has to use YEW, which means he can not disguise at will anymore, and the set "bonus" isn't really much of a bonus, since it also has a drawback. Most TF2 games are loud enough to cover up the Invis Watch/Cloak & Dagger's decloak (and most players suck anyway), and using YEW + The Dead Ringer means you can not disguise OR cloak at will - a massive weakness that requires either immense skill or blind, deaf opponents without hands to overcome.

So, hey, once again, a mountain is seen where an ant hill stands.

Of course this doesn't stop me from SAYING that purchased items are more powerful.

 

[Baneat]

I really don't see the fuss about this. Isn't it just for hats for your guys to wear? If it doesn't effect the game whats the big deal? It's kinda like getting mad about how some games offer to let you buy a t- shirt for them in the avatar store.

There are hats that affect gameplay now.

And they cost 17 bucks from the store.

Wait really? Wow.

And people pay money for that? My god that is dumb. See its not even really the store thing that bothers me so much but its the fact that people are buying from it. Otherwise it would be long gone by now.

It's true, the "Set" hats (Think tier set bonuses from WoW) are a load of pish and should be easily obtained through maybe an achievement,

They're not that hard to obtain, really, just trade around and eventually you'll end up with the set hats you need (Soldier set is counter-intuitive, not nearly as awful as the Sniper's(You can't headshot and can't be headshotted, it's like juggernaut times a million).
The Scout set is very strong (Wearing the hat has no downside if you're already using the other stuff, many do), though it just doesn't beat your original scout. Pyro set is very interesting, however. Spies, well I put little if any value on them as a class, netting less kills destroying less stuff being more environmental/luck dependant than any other class, so I've never even used the set bonus, I can't speak for it.


As for all the other stuff, don't want to pay for it? Don't buy it, nothing else actually affects your ability to play.

 

[AngryFrenchCanadian]

Only a few weapons and hats are exclusive to the store. You can find the rest with crafting/drops. Honestly, it's not like the weapons are overpowered. They all have their drawbacks, and it's a way for Valve to make a little extra cash from those who don't have the time to craft and can shell out the money. You really don't need to buy from the shop, but if you have 5 buck lying around in your Steam Wallet, you can buy yourself a key, a paint bucket or a gift. Half of it is cosmetic. Not to mention that if you design a weapon or hat, you have the possibility to sell it on the store. The winners of the polycount contest have already made thousands of dollars that way.