Apr 15, 2011
Last Chance to Pre-Purchase Portal 2, Help Release It Early
Portal 2 - Valve
This weekend is the last chance to pre-purchase Portal 2. Get your copy now, save 10% and be ready to play the moment it is released.

Help release Portal 2 early: From now until release, play any or all of games in The Potato Sack to expedite the launch of Portal 2. Your efforts will be tracked on the official GLaDOS@home page.

Each game in The Potato Sack has received a massive Portal-themed update, making a collection of 13 hit indie games even better. So why not get a taste of Portal 2 now while you help launch it?

Apr 14, 2011
Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike: Source, Day of Defeat: Source and Half-Life 2: Deathmatch Updates Released
Counter-Strike: Source - Valve
Updates to Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike: Source, Day of Defeat: Source and Half-Life 2: Deathmatch have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client is restarted. The major changes include:

Source Engine Changes (CS:S, DoD:S, TF2, HL2:DM)
  • Fixed a packet injection exploit in the client/server streams
  • Fixed UDP logging exploit
    • Added a new server convar "sv_logsecret" which emits a new S2A_LOGSTRING2 UDP packet to any UDP log targets with the secret value pre-pended

Team Fortress 2
  • Added new map Koth_Badlands
  • Updated CP_Well
    • Spawn room by second cap for each time is now a one-way door
  • Updated Training
    • Added 3 new training courses for the Demoman, Engineer, and Spy
    • Added the Ready for Duty achievement for completing all of the training courses
  • Added a new system to associate dedicated servers with Steam accounts
    • Use the ConCommand "cl_gameserver_create_identity" in the Team Fortress 2 client console to create a server account using the currently logged in Steam account. This will generate values for "tf_server_identity_account_id" and "tf_server_identity_token"
    • Put the values for "tf_server_identity_account_id" and "tf_server_identity_token" into your server.cfg
    • Use the ConCommand "cl_gameserver_list" in the Team Fortress 2 client console to list all of the game server accounts owned by the currently logged in Steam account
  • Added a new system for coaching players
  • Added a new vote system
    • Server convars to control the vote system
      • sv_allow_votes : Allow voting?
      • sv_vote_failure_timer : A vote that fails cannot be voted on again during this period.
      • sv_vote_allow_specators : Allow spectators to vote?
      • sv_vote_issue_changelevel_allowed : Allow votes to change levels?
      • sv_vote_issue_kick_allowed : Allow votes to kick players from the server?
      • sv_vote_issue_nextlevel_allowed : Allow votes to set the next level?
      • sv_vote_issue_nextlevel_allowextend : Allow votes to extend the current map?
      • sv_vote_issue_restart_game_allowed : Allow votes to restart the game?
      • sv_vote_issue_scramble_teams_allowed : Allow votes to scramble the teams?
      • sv_vote_issue_nextlevel_choicesmode : Present players with a list of maps with the lowest playtimes to choose from?
      • sv_vote_kick_ban_duration : How long should a kick vote ban someone from the server? (in minutes)
  • dynamic model loading to improve performance
  • Combat Text changes
    • Added a new convar "hud_combattext_healing" to display the amount of healing done per second
    • Added bonus points to the items displayed using Combat Text
    • Starting position of values is now affected by range to target, making it easier to see numbers when next to targets
  • Updated voice to use the Steam voice codec to improve quality
    • Servers can toggle between the old codec and the new codec with the convar "sv_use_steam_voice", which defaults to 1.
  • Fixed not being able to see the correct colors for painted hats when running with DX8
  • Fixed not being able to see the | character in custom names and descriptions
  • Fixed a couple cases where custom sprays would not import correctly
  • Duel changes
    • The duel dialog has been extended to include class-specific duels in addition to the default duels
    • Duel badges now only show the number of wins a player has
  • Added Payload maps to Offline Practice
  • Fixed taunt kills made with a Katana not counting towards honorbound kills
  • Fixed a bug where killing a Katana wielder with a Katana was incorrectly causing an increased crit chance
  • Fixed infinite noisemakers exploit where noisemakers could continue to be used after their charges had run out
  • Improved the Medic overheal effect so it's more noticeable
  • Fixed func_build entities to respect the team value and prevent the associated team from building in the area
  • Items changes:
    • Added new "Sort by Rarity" option for sorting backpack items
    • Improved the backpack sorting algorithms
    • Added "styles" for the Ghastlier Gibus, Scotsman's Stove Pipe, Treasure Hat, Hat of Undeniable Wealth And Respect, and the Googly Gazer
    • Added paint preview to the preview section when shopping for hats
    • Updated the Googly Gazer to be paintable
    • Added new paint styles to the Pyromancer's Mask
    • Items in the action slot won't be swapped until returning to a supply cabinet
    • Replaced the no-crit attribute with -25% damage on the following:
      • The Eyelander, The Gunslinger, The Southern Hospitality, The Powerjack (also added +20% melee vulnerability)
      • The Horseless Headless Horseman's Headtaker, The Ullapool Caber, The Claidheamohmor
    • Dalokohs Bar
      • Removed item cool down meter and ammo count when using the Dalokohs Bar
    • Fists of Steel
      • Increase deploy times 20%
      • Ranged damage reduced 40% (down from 60%)
    • Loch-n-Load
      • Damage increased by 10%
    • Equalizer
      • Tuned high-end damage range so it's no longer possible to one-shot certain classes
      • Suppress the medic call effect while active
    • Battalion’s Backup
      • Reduced rage generation rate by 50%
    • Concheror
      • Damage-to-health conversion increased to 35% (from 20%)
    • Mad Milk
      • Heal 60% of damage done (down from 75%)
    • Sun-on-a-Stick
      • Base damage lowered slightly but guarantees crits against burning players instead of mini-crits
    • Fan O’ War
      • Marking someone for death now lasts 15 seconds (from 10 seconds)
    • Flaregun
      • Flares always crit burning targets, regardless of range
    • Backburner
      • Removed the restriction on airblast
      • Ammo cost increased 150% (4 blasts at full ammo)
      • Damage bonus reduced to 10% (from 15%)
    • Sydney Sleeper:
      • Charge rate increased 25%
  • Bot changes:
    • Added Spy TFBots. Spy bots have basic cloaking, diguising, sapping, and backstabbing behaviors now, and are ready to join the fight
    • TFBots understand the basics of the Payload scenario now, and will push the cart on offense, and try to stop the cart on defense
    • Added navigation meshes for pl_goldrush, pl_badwater, pl_upward, pl_thundermountain, and pl_hoodoo_final
    • Improved TFBot reactions to cloaked and/or disguised enemy Spies
    • Improved Demoman bot behaviors for planting sticky bomb traps
    • Demoman bots will now try to move to a safe spot and lob stickybombs onto enemy sentry nests to destroy them
    • Soldier bots switch to their shotgun after emptying their rocket launcher at close/medium range
    • TFBots will no longer hide from sapped or carried sentryguns
    • Engineer bots are better at moving their sentry gun nest as the scenario changes
    • Improved Sniper bot algorithm for finding good sniping spots for both Capture Point and Payload scenarios
    • Sniper bots will take opportunistic shots at targets while they move to their desired sniping spot
    • Fixed bug where Sniper bots would sometimes stand around in their spawn room doing nothing.
    • Improved TFBot ability to find a safe vantage spot to attack enemy sentry guns
    • TFBots will no longer try to use a teleporter entrance they can't actually reach
    • Added tf_bot_melee_only cvar. If set to 1, all TFBots will be restricted to only using their melee weapon

Read more about the update here: http://www.teamfortress.com/hatless
Apr 14, 2011
Pre-Purchase Now: The Next Big Thing
The Next BIG Thing - Valve
The Next BIG Thing is now available for Pre-Purchase on Steam!

From the creators of Runaway, The Next Big Thing is a great adventure game in high definition, loaded with laughs, tributes, mysteries and wacky puzzles!

Receive a copy of Runaway, A Road Adventure and Runaway, The Dream of The Turtle to play now! Already own them? Give them to a friend!

The Pendulo Adventure Pack is also available, which includes The Next Big Thing, Runaway, A Road Adventure, Runaway, The Dream of The Turtle and the upcoming Runaway, A Twist of Fate!

Apr 14, 2011
Dino D-Day Update Released
Dino D-Day - Valve
Updates to Dino D-Day have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client is restarted. The major changes include:

  • Fixed voice chat.
  • No more going into Berserk mode when pounced, in a Dilophosaur's mouth, or other situations that don't make sense.
  • sv_accelerate and sv_airaccelerate are now server configurable. Server Admins, slower-moving dinosaurs have trouble with sv_accelerate under 7 so be careful when adjusting this.
  • Revised Desmatosuchus animations.
  • Team chat messages now show "(Allies)" and "(Axis)" instead of "(TEAM)"
  • Raptor and Dilophosaur claws bug that prevented them from attacking right after spawn is fixed.
  • Added Team Switches to the end of objective-mode rounds. Server admins, if you're doing your own team-switch with a plug-in bear this in mind.
  • Added a Film-Grain slider to the Video options menu. Drag it all the way left to get rid of the film grain effect.
  • Dilophosaur damage balance. Takes less damage from bullets, takes even less damage from bullets while he's sprinting. We'll monitor community feedback on this and make more adjustments as necessary.
  • Removed blur effect from the sniper scope. Other small tweaks to the scope, let us know if it feels better. We can work on some more stuff for the next patch.
  • Added missing resupply crates in Allied spawn in obj_depot. Other map fixes in obj_depot.
  • Closed raptor exploit in obj_fortress whereby the raptor could gain access to the Allied spawn.
  • Fixed buggy capture points in obj_fortess which also happened to be culprit for *most* crashes that occur in this map. It will hopefully be more stable for everyone.
  • Players now get points for healing and for successfully bombing an objective with a satchel.
  • Changed team ID tags so they are more visible (and round).
    • Apr 14, 2011
    Weekend Deal - Splinter Cell Collector Pack
    Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction™ - Valve
    Act now and save 60% on Splinter Cell Collector Pack during our Weekend Deal! Offer ends Monday at 10am Pacific Time.

    Follow the dramatic story of Sam Fisher, a highly trained secret operative of the NSA's secret arm: Third Echelon, as he fights terrorism and makes his own rules in the name of justice.

    Apr 14, 2011
    Global Agenda - New Low Price
    Global Agenda: Free Agent - Valve
    Starting today, Global Agenda becomes Global Agenda: Free Agent with a new low price.

    Apr 14, 2011
    2K Sale - Civilization V
    Sid Meier's Civilization® V - Valve
    Save 40% on Civilzation V and all Civilization V DLC! Offer ends on Friday at 10am PST.

    Enjoy four days of 2K Games Sales. Be sure to check back every day for more great deals!

    Apr 13, 2011
    Defense Grid Update Released
    Defense Grid: The Awakening - Valve
    Updates to Defense Grid have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client is restarted. The major changes include:

    Defense Grid April 2011 Portal 2 ARG Updates:
    • Two free new and original Defense Grid Levels with new voice acting and story.
    • Portal's GLaDOS invades the network and brings a new style of level design to Defense Grid.
    • New computer console off the main menu. Poke around in the old computer archives, try out puzzles, and learn some DG back-story.
    • Tesla towers now recharge faster and do more damage.
    April 13 update:
    • CHAS level is now unlocked for everyone!
    • Recruiting is still important, so keep it up.
    • Tony has one more trick up his sleeve
    • Three more clues to find
    Apr 13, 2011
    Star Ruler Update Released
    Star Ruler - Valve
    Updates to Star Ruler have been released. The updates will be applied automatically when your Steam client is restarted. The major changes include:

    Fixed:
    • New treaty notification icon was not disappearing when opening the empire window.
    • Ship build cost would not appear in the hover information on planets with no empty slots.
    • Holding shift while clicking a top bar button would not correctly open a new window of that type.
    • Automation orders did not import from exported designs.
    • Could not select the shipyard world governor in the planet window.
    • Large odd numbers of flags in the race customization window would make the last flag disappear.
    • Divide by zero crash when adding 4 or more shipsets.
    • Automatic blueprint updates would reset automation orders.
    • Heavy Hull level was too high, causing it to have much more hitpoints than the other hull types.
    • Negative mood did not display correctly in the planet window.
    • Items in the pinned list would still display after returning to the main menu.
    • Random freeze/crash caused by a deadlock. Frequently appeared when lots of scouts were auto-exploring at the same time.
    • GUI Elements could disappear in some situations (chat box when working in the layout window, scrollbar in system window).
    • Shipborne factory systems would use up resources even if there was no place to store what was being fabricated.
    • Fixed a bug in multiplayer clients that would cause weirdness and instability.
    • Planetary bunkers weren't correctly absorbing damage.
    • Fixed timestamps on saves being off by one hour (or worse).
    Changed:
    • Object list's filter box is now case-insensitive.
    • Added Ere4s3r's corrected smoothing groups to the Neumon.
    • Cargo storage no longer always unlocks Armor at level 4 by paying the link cost.
    Balance:
    • Reworked Coolant System to cause more significant increases in weapon firing rates, but also dramatically increase running costs for the connected weapon.
    • Flak range and delay now scale the same as all the other weapons.
    Added:
    • "Declare war if this treaty fails" clause. If the treaty fails due to either party having insufficient resources, declare war now.
    • "End all existing treaties" clause. If accepted, all previous treaties are nullified.
    • "Ammo lifetime damage" stat to detailed statistics page. Shows how much damage a full load of ammo can do before being depleted.
    • "Supply Resource" automation order. Used for tankers to automatically supply ships with fuel.
    UI:
    • Making the research window small enough now hides the queue.
    • The empire window now loses information in the top area more gradually when resized down.
    • When hovering over a system, the name is colored the same as the ring.
    • The top left ticker now displays research rate.
    • Holding shift while pressing the import button in the blueprints window attempts to import all designs in the profile.
    • Blueprints in the planet and system windows can now be sorted.
    • Blueprints sort can now differentiate between ascending and descending.
    • Add option to sort planets in system window by name, slots or governor.
    • Link icons in research window are hidden on zoom levels smaller or equal to 0.30x.
    • The top left ticker displays research progress by coloring the text from left to right.
    • Percentage complete is now shown behind the name of the current building item in the planet window.
    • Added a "Continue" button to the main menu, which will load the newest save (including autosaves).
    • F7 will now open the civil acts window.
    • F10 will open the escape menu without closing any windows. (Used to be F12)
    Apr 13, 2011
    Shadowgrounds Series Now Available on Mac
    Shadowgrounds - Valve
    Shadowgrounds and Shadowgrounds Survivor are now available on the Mac!

    In Shadowgrounds, fight off massive alien hordes in true top-down, run-and-gun style. Upgrade your weapons to maximize the carnage and blast those aliens back to outer space!



    ...