Today to my surprise, while chatting amongst fellow TF2 players in IRC, a sudden cry of "NOOOOOOOO!" began to fill the channel. Valve, the developer of Team Fortress 2, had gone in and flagged about 4.5% of accounts for using idling programs. I, being one of these hat hoarders, was also affected and have become quite saddened at the loss of my 2 hats.

For those not familiar with the TF2 Drop system, Team Fortress 2 has items such as weapons, hats, and other misc unlockables available to earn at random when you play a server. As such, idling programs became widely popular amongst it's players, me included.

I know, I know. It was wrong, but at the time there were no consequences and the thought of getting the hat of my dreams was enough motivation to rack up over 130 hours on Steam in 2 weeks. 90% of which I can attribute to using an idling program.

To everyone who didn't cheat, Valve will be sending you a brand new hat to your inventory - to thank you for taking the moral high ground (or being oblivious that you could cheat).

Valve has stated that there were no rules about using external idling applications, so for now items will just be removed. But any future use of software that unlocks items without the user actually playing will be a banable offense and you're account will be frozen.

Off to pub servers. I've got hats to get back :)

[TF2 BLOG ] Incoming!