Jul 25
Team Fortress 2 Update Released
Team Fortress 2 - Valve
An update to Team Fortress 2 has been released. The update will be applied automatically when you restart Team Fortress 2. The major changes include:

  • Updated pl_embargo to fix visual glitches
Jul 25
Updates to Free Demos on Steam
Steam News - Alden
With thousands of playable demos launching on Steam every year, and millions of players trying them out (often as part of Steam Next Fest), we've noticed some trends in feedback from both developers and players about the process and functionality. We've put together an update based on that feedback.

As a reminder, you can always find great demos to play on the Steam demo hub.

Demos now behave better in the Steam library
We've made a few updates to how demos appear and behave within the Steam Library. Here are the key items:
  • You can add demos to your library without having to immediately install them. Just click on the new "add to library" button next to demos you may not be ready to install (while using the mobile app, for instance).
  • Demos can be installed even if you already own the full game. Primarily, this will make it easier for developers to test demos, but it will also help players more easily manage installing/uninstalling demos.
  • Demos can be explicitly removed from an account by right-clicking > manage > remove from account.
  • When a demo is uninstalled, it will automatically get removed from your library.

Demos can now have a separate store page

By default, free demos appear as a button on the full game's store page. But, developers have been asking for a way to enable a full store page to better describe the contents of the demo, add separate screenshots, upload a trailer, and specify supported features. So, that is now possible and you'll find that clicking on a demo sometimes loads a full demo store page while other times will take you to the full game's page with a button to install the demo.

Tight connection with the full game
Stand-alone demo store pages will automatically display both the demo install button as well as a widget linking back to the full game for players interested in wishlisting or purchasing the full game.

User reviews for demos
If developers have chosen to enable a store page for their demo, it will also be possible for players of the demo to post user reviews for the demo. These reviews and review score will appear on the demo store page just like reviews for any other free game on Steam. Note that if the developer has chosen to not have a separate store page for their demo, then user reviews will not be enabled for that demo.


Demos now appear more in the Steam store

Demos now behave more like free games and can appear in all the same sections and lists. For example, demos can now appear on the Steam homepage in charts such as the "New & Trending", on the "New on Steam" page, and on relevant tag and category pages. We've also made some changes to the thresholds for free products to appear in those sections to better balance them with paid products.

Of course you can always find great demos to play on the Steam demo hub.

Wishlist notifications when demos become available
We've now also made it so that when a demo becomes available for the first time for a game that you have on your Steam wishlist, or from a developer you follow, Steam can send you an email and mobile notification about that demo.

You can opt in or out of these emails by updating your email preferences.


Infrequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the deal with the Demo icon? Is that a plate? A vinyl record?
A. That classic icon, my friend, is from the days when demos were commonly distributed through the post office, contained in a bound package of game journalism printed on dead trees and imprinted on circular media known as Compact Discs.

Q. Some demos just appeared in my Steam library. How did those get there?
A. We've made some changes to visibility of demos in the Steam Library, which may effect demos that you played long ago. We've tried our best to clean up the demos that we expect you don't care about anymore, but we may have missed some. You can easily remove those by right-clicking them in your Steam library and selecting manage > remove from account.

Q. I love free demos. When is the next Steam Next Fest?
A. Check back on October 14th for the next weeklong Steam Next Fest, featuring hundreds of new free playable demos! You can sign up for a reminder by visiting the Next Fest page now: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/nextfest
Jul 25
Team Fortress 2 Update Released
Team Fortress 2 - Valve
An update to Team Fortress 2 has been released. The update will be applied automatically when you restart Team Fortress 2. The major changes include:

  • Updated the Loyalist's Coronet Unusual effect to fix team BLU particles in the team RED effect
  • Updated the Rainbow Reverie, Warp Drive and Overdrive Unusual effects to work better with larger hats
  • Updated the Rainbow Reverie Unusual effect to add a fade in when spawning and make the refract more noticeable
  • Updated the Dragonflies' Embrace, Dragonflies' Nature, and Dragonflies' Lucent Unusual effects to fix trailing issues on the grass and ground particles
  • Updated the Distress Signal and Carioca's Call Unusual effects to fix some issues with overlapping sprites
  • Updated the Desert Wind and Monsoon Season Unusual effects

    • Fixed the wind flickering on moving taunts
    • Fixed the tumbleweed having incorrect physics
    • Updated the wind and dust to trail slightly on moving taunts
  • Updated the Control Patrol cosmetic item
    • Reduced the size of the glasses
    • Lowered the hat slightly on Soldier's head
    • Fixed UV map issue with LODs
  • Updated the Justice Johns cosmetic item
    • Slimmed down the legs and raised socks cuffs to reduce overall thickness of the legs
    • Fixed rigging issue with boot laces
  • Updated the Pathfinder cosmetic item
    • Slimmed down the arms slightly
    • Adjusted shoulder and armpit rigging to reduce stretching of the vest
    • Adjusted mesh transition from forearms to hands
    • Fixed some clipping issues around where the shirt collar meets the zipper
    • Raised the zipper pull tab for better compatibility with other Soldier cosmetics
  • Updated ctf_doublecross
    • Fixed an incorrect team-colored material in the BLU base for real this time
  • Updated pl_enclosure_final
    • Fixed a clip wall blocking a dropdown in stage 3
  • Updated pl_embargo
    • Minor visual and clipping improvements
    • Fixed the cart's missing outline
    • Added an extra Botler to the playable space
    • Fixed the paint splat overlay not applying to players within the explosion range
    • The ambient music inside the casino now respects the music volume settings
    • Improved player visibility against certain walls (Thanks Arthur)
    • Added the kill icon to the helicopter blades
    • Fixed an override of a TF2's base texture
    • Fixed being able to block the cart shortly after point A (Thanks Aar)
    • Fixed getting stuck in a door near C while it closes
    • Fixed indoors fog sometimes getting applied outside (Thanks Phe)
    • Increased respawn time for RED on the last point
    • Fixed the client crash related to custom models
    • Improved performance on the last point
  • Updated koth_cachoeira
    • Engineers can no longer build inside the cliffs
    • Fixed teleporter stuck spot under the control point
    • Adjusted respawn waves
    • Minor visual improvements
    • Various clipping fixes
    • Improved performance
  • Updated ctf_applejack
    • Improved clipping
    • Brought some stairs
    • Improved tree collision
    • Added more chickens
    • Improved detail
    • Fixed Ol'Betsy (Thanks Aar!)
Jul 19
Team Fortress 2 Update Released
Team Fortress 2 - Valve
An update to Team Fortress 2 has been released. The update will be applied automatically when you restart Team Fortress 2. The major changes include:

  • Moved 64-bit Steam binaries to the correct folder
  • Updated the equip_region for the Free Mann's Fashion
  • Updated the Distant Drift Unusual effect to fix a visibility issue
  • Updated the Butterfly Season Unusual effect to fix problems with the scale and effect trails
  • Updated the Fiesta Royale and Grand Jubilee Unusual taunt effects with performance improvements
  • Updated the Botler 2000 to fix problems with its positioning
  • Updated koth_megaton
    • Fixed the finale being cut off by a round ending too early
    • Fixed players not being blown to smithereens during the finale
    • Fixed players being able to get stuck in the edges of the thatch rooftops
    • Improved optimization. Investigation into further improvements for lower-end and config users is ongoing.
  • Updated cp_canaveral_5cp
    • Fixed an out-of-bounds exploit
    • Fixed some stuck spots
    • Fixed some hovering props
    • Added some missing overlays
  • Updated cp_overgrown
    • Fixed being able to build in RED spawn
    • Adjusted clipping to fix a few perch points
    • Removed extra shadow_control entity (Thanks Lacry!)
    • Fixed a number of small visual and gameplay issues on the map (Thanks Midnite!)
  • Updated pl_odyssey
    • Fixed an exploit that allowed BLU players to enter RED spawn
    • Fixed lighting issues in BLU first spawn
Jul 18
Team Fortress 2 Update Released
Team Fortress 2 - Valve
An update to Team Fortress 2 has been released. The update will be applied automatically when you restart Team Fortress 2. The major changes include:

  • Fixed the Distress Signal and Carioca's Call Unusual effects sometimes causing the game to crash
  • Moved ctf_haarp out of the CTF matchmaking category and into Attack/Defend
  • Updated the Treasure Trove Unusual taunt effect
    • Renamed to Bountiful Riches to fix a naming conflict
    • Updated the materials to fix a problem with the coins
  • Updated pd_atom_smash
    • Fixed missing UI elements for the capture zone
    • Increased rarity of The Scientist's idle chatter between capture zone availability
  • Updated koth_megaton
    • Fixed a missing material on the sandbags
    • Fixed clipping on an open crate
Jul 18
Team Fortress 2 Update Released
Team Fortress 2 - Valve
An update to Team Fortress 2 has been released. The update will be applied automatically when you restart Team Fortress 2. The major changes include:



Summer 2024!
  • Featuring 10 new community maps: Embargo, Odyssey, Megaton, Cachoeira, Overgrown, Hadal, Applejack, Atom Smash, Canaveral, and Burghausen
  • Added the Summer 2024 Cosmetic Case
    • Contains 23 new community-contributed items
  • Added 4 new community-contributed taunts to the Mann Co. Store
    • Taunt: Can It!
    • Taunt: Cremator's Condolences
    • Taunt: Straight Shooter Tutor
    • Taunt: Unleashed Rage
  • Added 38 new community-created Unusual effects
    • 18 new effects for Unusual hats
    • 20 new effects for Unusual taunts
  • All cosmetic and taunt cases will grant Summer 2024 Unusual effects instead of their normal Unusual effects during the Summer event. This does not include crates.
  • The Summer event runs through September 15th, 2024
General
  • Security and stability improvements
  • Fixed Workshop sv_cheats exploit
  • Disallow aliasing any existing convars that are not movement commands
  • Added language support for Spanish - Latin America
  • Added ConVar "tf_hide_custom_decals" to allow clients to disable viewing custom decals on items
    • Added "Hide Custom Decals" checkbox to the Advanced Options dialog in the Miscellaneous Options category
  • Added missing 64-bit Steam binaries for the dedicated server
  • Added missing 64-bit versions of HLMV and HLFaceposer
  • Added a check to prevent the "autoteam" client command for custom game modes like VSH after the player has already joined a team
  • Added missing menu_photos images for cp_powerhouse
  • Added missing default string for Player Destruction mode
  • Expanded VScript support
    • Added mp_tournament_redteamname, mp_tournament_blueteamname, and tf_mvm_max_connected_players to the list of whitelisted ConVars
    • Fixed vscript_convar_allowlist.cfg being overriden by being packed into a map
    • BaseEntity: AcceptInput, IsAlive
    • EconEntity: GetAttribute
    • TFPlayer: GetCustomAttribute, StunPlayer
    • TFBot: GetAllBotTags, SetMission, SetPrevMission, GetMission, GetPrevMission, HasMission, IsOnAnyMission, SetMissionTarget, GetMissionTarget, SetBehaviorFlag, ClearBehaviorFlag, IsBehaviorFlagSet, SetActionPoint, GetActionPoint

  • Moved some of the Christmas maps to the normal rotation
  • Moved ctf_2fort_invasion out of the Misc matchmaking category and into CTF
  • Moved koth_probed out of the Misc matchmaking category and into KOTH
  • Fixed Incinerator killstreak effect not scaling properly when viewed from a distance (community fix from SirDapper and CheesyPuff)
  • Fixed Gunslinger punch combo not being lag compensated (community fix from Marxvee)
  • Fixed third-person reload animation speeds not matching first-person speeds when using custom attributes (community fix from Marxvee)
  • Fixed CTF HUD being visible when no flags are present (Community fix from fellen)
  • Fixed broken LOD1 model for The B.A.S.E. Jumper backpack while deployed (community fix from Piogre)
  • Fixed cosmetic items that use per-class bodygroups not using the correct bodygroup in the Loadout panel
  • Fixed dropped weapons with custom decals not showing the correct decals
  • Fixed some unusual effects using the wrong orientation for The Head Hedge
  • Fixed Halloween transmutations being completed outside of the Halloween event
  • Fixed incorrect BLU material for the CLTF2 bronze medal
  • Fixed missing Spy audio when using the Taunt: Kazotsky Kick
  • Fixed missing sound for the Taunt: The Skating Scorcher
  • Fixed the Neon Annihilator not getting crit-attacks when hitting players covered with gas
  • Fixed some clipping issues for the Mad Lad when using lod1 and lod2
  • Fixed missing polygons for the Stunt Suit when using the Roadworker style
  • Fixed seeing the wrong image in the Steam inventory for the Operation Firmware Frenzy Star of the Company 2023 medal
  • Fixed not being able to equip the Master's Yellow Belt and the Hillbilly Speed Bump at the same time
  • Fixed console warning about unknown command 'eureka_teleport'
  • Fixed Vaccinator heal sound continuing to play after Medic's death
  • Fixed a problem with the Tiny Timber not displaying paint after being painted
  • Updated zi_intro.webm media file
  • Updated the description of the Buffalo Steak Sandvich to display the increased damage vulnerability while active
  • Updated the Eldritch Horror and Deep-sea Devourer Unusual taunt effects to fix incorrect spawn locations
  • Updated the materials for Your Eternal Reward to fix incorrect lighting under certain conditions (community fix from Lindon)
  • Updated the material for The Buff Banner to add phong mask and missing material parameters (community fix from Lindon)
  • Updated the material for The Law to fix an issue when the hat has been painted
  • Updated the equip_region for the Cleaner's Cap
  • Updated/Added some tournament medals
  • Updated ctf_turbine_winter, plr_hacksaw, and pl_phoenix to fix localization issues
  • Updated ctf_doublecross
    • Fixed an incorrect team-colored material in the BLU base
  • Updated cp_brew
    • Fixed truck textures outside of BLU spawn
    • Fixed a few bumps in the road
  • Updated pd_selbyen
    • Fixed an exploit that would allow Engineer to trap players using a teleporter behind a door
    • Minor detailing changes
  • Updated pl_hoodoo_final
    • Added func_noclip to BLU spawn in the third stage
  • Updated pl_corruption
    • Fixed handrail collision near the last point
    • Fixed lamp near BLU spawn
    • Fixed missing string for last point
  • Updated plr_hacksaw_event
    • Fixed broken areaportals
  • Updated pl_enclosure_final
    • [Stage 1] - Moved A point within the gate building
    • [Stage 1] - Added stairs for access to the balcony overlooking the final point area
    • [Stage 1] - Added more cover along the initial aviary area
    • [Stage 1] - Removed the catwalk connecting the wooden tower with the oneway door and the balcony area
    • [Stage 1] - Tweaked the layout of the tunnel section
    • [Stage 1] - Wooden tower is now connected to a new catwalk inside of the gate building
    • [Stage 1] - Reworked RED spawn so it now has two exit doors
    • [Stage 2] - RED now has a 2nd spawn exit leading outside along the water to where the airboats are parked
    • [Stage 2] - Airboats and their dock are now accessible
    • [Stage 2] - Removed the elevated platform RED had within the building, replaced with a tall piece of cover instead
    • [Stage 3] - Added a wall and extra stairs on the right side leading up to the catwalk around the raptor pit
    • [Stage 3] - Added a large cliff narrowing the whole area on the left side of the raptor pit
    • [Stage 3] - Added an extra entryway on the left side of the final point building and a dropdown to floor level within
    • [Stage 3] - Added a jumping class vent from next to B point area into the upstairs area of the final point building
    • [All Stages] - Allowed building inside initial BLU spawns
    • [All Stages] - Visual improvements to a lot of places, a few new assets
  • Updated pl_cashworks
    • Area 1 / Loading Dock
      • BLU Spawn 1:

        • Solved several clipping issues at doors and stairs
        • Mitigated line of sight into spawn room
        • Added alternative exit from spawn room to the right
      • RED Spawn 1:

        • Reworked to have two exits
      • Area Changes:

        • Changed terrain around bridge to be easier to maneuver and to prevent getting stuck
        • Changed munition pack at building 01 to large
        • Possible spots beneath bridge for teleporter-traps eliminated
        • Shuffled some big rocks to block off Sniper lanes
        • Cut center building Sniper lane, left alley visually blocked off from dock area
        • Cut center building top Sniper lane, less easy to get a good view
        • Changed out of bounds building left of BLU spawn, added spinning sawblade
        • Opened up a third passage to allow for an additional flanking option for BLU and RED
    • Area 2 / Serpentines
      • RED Spawn 2:
        • Reworked 2nd RED spawn entirely
        • New spawn has two exits, locks and teleports after B is capped
      • Area Changes:
        • Balconies blocked off visually and physically
        • Additional visual blocker at the top of the serpentines to allow for a more secure crossing
        • Long tunnel leading through the RED building to a staircase at the foot of the hill
        • Added deadly and moving sawblade for spicy danger, with sparks and fumes
        • Closed off BLU balcony at the end of the hill
        • Changed raised platform to be only accessible from RED side
      • Reroutes:
        • Deleted BLU gates at flanking route after B is capped
        • Flanking route has an additional exit towards C, leading through BLU building
        • BLU building interiors reworked and expanded
        • Balcony-drop doesn't injure the player any more
    • Area 3 / Construction Site
      • BLU Spawn 2:
        • New stairway leading to balcony
        • Wider exit from big building after CP3 capture
      • Area Changes:
        • Widened area at the generators and on the 2nd level
        • Changed the direction of the drop-in to C, leading into the hydroelectric building
        • Widened exit from BLU spawn into Area 3
    • Area 4 / Vault
      • Area Changes:
        • Added gates opening at the gatehouse after CP3 is captured
        • Alternative passageway through gatehouse while gates are closed pre CP3
        • Rebuild bridge to be convex, obscuring a long Sniper lane
        • Wonky bridge rewards with a branching access next to the vault building, allowing for BLU flanks
    • Global Changes
      • Solved a ton of clipping
      • Rebuilt and edited navmesh, with defined sentry and Sniper positions and varying gameplay
      • Adjusted func_doors at spawn to span to every solid
      • Changed clipping on cart, now jumpable
      • Increased fog distance and lowered density
      • Exchanged glass-textures from the green to the clear version
      • Stairs and hanging bridge are now bullet-blocked for more predictable projectile bounces
Jul 15
Fighting Games Fest is on now!
Steam News - kaci

Steam's Fighting Games Fest is heavy on the action and light(er) on the pockets, with deals on fighting games all week long.

Though there are lots of cool games about fighting, this fest is specifically celebrating games in (or inspired by) the Fighting Game Community (FGC). Fight as a superhero, or a silly animal; fight in fantastical stages and arenas or in... a parking lot. Either way, be prepared to FIGHT!

Fighting Games Fest is on now through July 22nd on Steam.
Jun 27
The Steam Summer Sale is HERE!
Steam News - kaci

The Steam Summer Sale is in full swing, with thousands of games offering cool discounts as the summer heats up. Fighting games? Check. RPGs? Check. Relaxing? Hack & Slash? Adventure? FPS? Check, Check, Check, Check. In other words, ALL genres.

OH! We're also doing 15% off Steam Deck LCD models: 64GB and 512GB, through the end of the Summer Sale! Plus, we've launched a new Steam Charts page featuring Steam Deck's top-played titles. The list is updated daily, and gives you options to explore the most popular games on Deck by week, month, or even year, regardless of verified status.

New to the sale this year: A selection of extra-deep discounts you'll want to peruse for especially good deals.

You'll find sales by the thousands, discounts on Steam Deck LCDs, free daily sticker drops, and more when you swing by the Steam Summer Sale, on now through July 11th on Steam.
Jun 26
Steam Game Recording - Now in Beta
Steam News - Emilyk

Today we’ve launched Steam Game Recording into Beta, a new built-in system for creating and sharing your gameplay footage, that works on any game on Steam.

From capturing highlights to documenting entire campaigns, there are many ways to use this all-new set of features.

Go to the Game Recording website to learn all about it and how to try it out.

Jun 26
An update on Steam Input and controller support
Steam News - Lawrence
Hello!

More players than ever are choosing to play Steam games with a controller, and we thought it would be a good time to share some stats about controller usage on Steam along with an update about Steam Input.

Stats: Controller use on Steam
  • Since 2018, daily average controller use has tripled from ~5% to up to 15% of all sessions
  • ~42% of these controller sessions are using Steam Input (enabling over 300 supported controllers, custom button bindings, and community configurations)
  • During that time, the controller landscape has changed:

    • 59% of sessions are using Xbox controllers
    • 26% are using PlayStation controllers
    • 10% are on Steam Decks
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As usage has grown, our team has continued working to improve and add features to enhance the controller experience for these players. Here are some of the new features we’ve shipped for Steam Input and controller users recently:

  • Big Picture update – complete redesign of the controller first experience on Steam, bringing the Steam Deck user experience to the big screen
  • New controller configurator – rethought and simplified configurator to set, manage, and edit controller bindings
  • Gyro aiming– overhauled and improved experience for controllers with gyro, implemented Flickstick functionality in Steam Input
  • Virtual menus – added support to the desktop client
  • PlayStation Controller support - We worked with Sony to improve support for PS controllers including DualSense Edge, and can now automatically support future 3rd party licensed PlayStation gamepads
  • Xbox Controller support – We shipped a driver for Windows allowing us to better support Xbox One controllers, including the rear buttons on the Xbox Elite Controllers
One of the benefits of Steam Input is that when it’s implemented in a game, players can use any one of over 300 supported controllers to play. We also recently added support for the new HORIPAD for Steam (available in Japan later this summer), and worked with HORI's team to make their controller work well with Steam Input.

The team is continuing to work on Steam Input and controller support on Steam, and we are always looking for feedback. Let us know what you think in the forums.
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