Team Fortress 2 Characters Actually Respond To Customer Correspondence
When TF2’s Scout received his update, the ad on the game’s blog was done in the style of an old-school mail-away. And you know, some people actually responded. What’s more, Valve responded back.
Yes, people stupid/smart enough to print out the coupon and send it in have been getting real letters in the mail. Real letters from everyone’s favourite Australian, Saxton Hale, whose company has about the best multi-purpose mail-out we’ve ever seen.
Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)
Another reason why Valve is so great!
That’s hillarious! +1 for the humour on that one! Why can’t more companys do things like this? It shows people they have a sense of humour and personality (looking at you Capcom with your $20 DLC for SFIV)
<3 Valve
@Mr. Tambourine Man: I laughed hard.
MDX
@BubbleF**kingBuddy:
"Delaying Episode 3" Dude it's just Valve time. It's expected.
I can't wait for Valve to someday sell actual cans of Bonk! energy drink. My life would be complete.
@Sir-Lucius: I don't know. I know there are plenty of Capcom titles that don't even grab my attention while I have loved every Valve game so far. On the other hand, Capcom has released a shitload more games, and in different genres, so it's a given not to like every one of them. But that's kinda why I like Valve more. Their games may be few, but they are really satisfying, polished, and they are constantly updating them. And they have the greatest sense of humour.
I <3 Valve.
@Mr. Tambourine Man: Mostly
Saith17
@yargh: I don't hate Valve or anything. It's just that I'm a downright obsessive Capcom fanboy.
BubbleF**kingBuddy
@MushroomBoy1022: And just like that you took us back to the 90's.
Thank you?
Dresan
@K1NG EV1L:
Valve's lack of console support is the reason I just dropped about $600 on a gaming rig last weekend. If they started supporting 360 and PS3 versions of their games to the same level that they do their PC versions,then it would almost have been a wasted purchase.
So in fact, by Valve not helping us lowly console gamers, they are infact stimulating the global economy.
TrjnRabbit
@GohanGVO: Already on it over here.
I love the "Saxton Hale, Australian" hahaha, being Australian is a commendable act now.
@Gortexfogg: Absolutely, I don't think anyone could have said it any better.
@yargh: Capcom has been making video games since the 1979. Valve has been around since '96. You're speaking exclusively of this gen with Capcom's business practices, which admittedly suck. Granted, they did release a bajillion copies of SFII, but that was in a time before DLC and the only way to "update" a game is to release a new version. But even still that doesn't negate, shit, 30 years of being one of the best devs around.
I mean come on, Mega Man, Street Fighter, Devil May Cry, Resident Evil, Darkstalkers - Capcom is responsible for some of the most iconic characters not just in the video game world, but in pop culture in general.
Don't get me wrong, Valve is an amazing fucking developer, but you don't negate 20+ years of amazing games and support because of 5 years of annoying business. It's not like Capcom has been releasing bad games either, they just have shitty DLC practices.
Sir-Lucius
@DoomDoomDoom: ....you completely missed the point.
@TrjnRabbit: Yes.
vid3oman64
@vid3oman64: Take a cup and a camera with you and become an internet sensation.
z_bad_magic
I... love Valve. Seriously, the PR people/development team HAVE to be a bunch of dudes just sitting around, drinking beer, and pondering the random awesomeness that is their game.
Daobaz
@Joghobs: /truth
So, what would happen if you sent in, but checked "no," instead?
SlimCognito
@Gortexfogg:
You know what? I think you hit the nail on the head. I actually gasped when I read your comment because I never really thought about it.
@Kobun: Valve is awesome if you remember that Valve asked MicroSoft to do a Steam-like service and they refused. Valve took the initiative and did it all themselves so its pretty awesome taking that into consideration.
@MushroomBoy1022: I always loved Valve and the communities around there games but I never felt like they put out effort to support fans outside of the games because there is so much extra content via their engine. Could just be me but it seems like after the Orange Box came out they really opened up to their fan base, in any case I love it and hope for more of this :D!
@BubbleF**kingBuddy: Fuck it, you're an idiot. Valve is THE most generous developer on the planet(bar-none) and Capcom is arguably the MOST greedy. Making us pay for costume unlocks and other terrible tacked-on content that should have been included from the get go.
The only complaints about the console version of the Orange Box is the lack of updates which aren't Valve's problem. Microsoft & Sony certification is a real bitch.
@BubbleF**kingBuddy: Episode 3 isn't delayed as they have refused to announce anything anyway. Console versions of The Orange Box have several excuses, although it's hard to say if they're sticking to principles or just being lazy. L4D started off weak but (free) new maps and an SDK were always planned.
In terms of sheer volume, the number of innovations, and the companies of former employees, Capcom wins. But it's definitely less awesome than it was twenty years ago. Give Valve ten more years and maybe they'll follow suit, or maybe not.
spannu
Thank you, World, thank you!
Inzoum
With all the awsomeness that exudes from Valve, it almost makes up for the douchebaggery that is Gabe Newell.
PissedPS3Fan
And valve shows more attention to detail that makes it such an awesome group of people and an amazing developer.
EternalStar
oh valve... i love you
mascot1063
@MushroomBoy1022:
Thorpey says they're "fully sick"
TrjnRabbit
@ReVivAL:
they generally like to screw us gamers in the ass.
Console versions of The Orange Box.
Delaying Episode 3.
Shipping L4D with two VS maps and no SDK.
Granted, Capcom does it too.
BubbleF**kingBuddy
Instant Epic Win.
@K1NG EV1L: I think I... Yes... I came.
M.u.s.o.u.k.a
@vid3oman64:
Drop trou as in take a dump in their offices or drop trou as in offer your ass for sexual usage by Valve employees?
Come to think of it. .. don't answer that.
TrjnRabbit
HOT ANAL SEX
wait wait wait... So the Jarate is all but confirmed?!
zgnoud
In conclusion, let me seriously caution you for the time being that all Mann Co. products are 100% safe.
team.bates
Now I need to send in the ad so that I may frame the letter.
GohanGVO
Hmm.... that deal on Jarate isn't looking too bad...
cfive3
@MushroomBoy1022:
yes, yes they are.
@MushroomBoy1022: So true, this past week Valve has just kept astounding me with new things from the update for Sniper/Spy.
Also, does this mean Jarate is a real unlock...because that would be so awesome.
@BubbleF**kingBuddy: I love Capcom's games but they generally like to screw us gamers in the ass. Valve on the other hand creates great games and gives us added content long after it was released. Plus they do shit like this heh.
@Zaranell: Words right outta my mouth.
@Spidery_Yoda: They're kinda hard to compare. Valve is definitely champ in the PC market, and Capcom takes the console market hands down. Overall developer though I'm probably gonna have to give it to Capcom though. They've got damn near 20 years of experience on Valve, and have done a lot within the fighting game community. They also do a damn good job of staying involved with the community today, despite being massive compared to Valve.
I think we can all agree Capcom and Valve are easily in the top 5 for modern developers though. The quality found in their games takes the fattest of poops on 95% of the competition.
Sir-Lucius
Awesome!
I have a Jarate and sandvish to go please. (^_^)
@vid3oman64:
Lighten up. This kind of stuff shows that even in the ZOMG SERIOUS VIDEO GAME BUSINESS world, people can take a bit of time to get a cheap laugh in. They're doing nothing more than humoring loyal customers.
Well goddamn, +1 million awesome points.
@Last Face: Yes they can, if they can fucking release all the updates so far onto the 360 version of the game and do a L4D TF2 cross over with the nine classes VS the horde and special infected.
K1NG EV1L
So, basically, Australia is responsible for all the violence that occurs in Team Fortress 2?
Awesome.
That is fantastic. +1 Valve.
My god Valve, could you be more awesome?
"We are 'Legally Mandated' to inform you that this product is 'Under Litigation'. But keep an eye on your 'Country's Consumer Safety Laws' because new 'Legislation' could be on the way!"
Hahahaha, that's freakin brilliant!
Abel_Prisc
@Spidery_Yoda: I can understand saying it for Mm, being how they're new and all, but Capcom? No way. They're just too good.
BubbleF**kingBuddy
Well Call me a Mute Frickin' Moron, TF2 has more story than most single player games. Even as going as far as breaking the 4th wall.
But is it breaking the 4th wall if you actually get real life stuff?
Ohh wow. Jarate might actually become a real item. Valve just got some more cool points.
Darkslash
It's awesome developers like Valve that reassure me that gaming will still be amazing as long as they are around... Activision on the other hand...
100% Safe/Flammable
I would frame this and I don't play TF2.
Slartibartfast
@Spidery_Yoda: This is true, though I'm not too crazy about Steam.
Does Valve hire people purely for their comedic abilities?
@BubbleF**kingBuddy: Valve are so much higher than Capcom and Media Molecule it's not even funny.
Valve is on a roll lately.
Holy awesome!
Valve is the best of all developers.
Man, that's better than getting a letter from Santa.
God, I love Valve SO much.
@Zaranell: They're no Capcom or Media Molecule, but they're pretty neat.
BubbleF**kingBuddy
Valve.
Please stop this.
Any more of this and I will have to send myself to your offices and drop trou.
vid3oman64
Thats an awesome letter.
I (heart) valve
Mann Co.
"We sell products and get in fights."
Easily the best advertising slogan ever.
Once again, I gotta say it: I love Valve. Hahahaha.
For being a multiplayer-only game, Valve has instilled TF2 with more wit, heart and character than most story-heavy games. I'm just all smiles after reading this.
Gortexfogg
This is why Valve is my favorite developer.
"We sell products and get in fights"
Best ad slogan ever.
That's rich ! :D
jookie
valve is so rad. :D
MushroomBoy1022
@Dresan: Word to your mother, Its rad to be back in the 90s.
Scorch3
@hardcache: I think I worked there part time once... its tough to remember though, all hazy and weird.
Scorch3
Valve treats it's customers great even after you buy their product, and that is a sign of a great company. Way to go Valve, keep up the good work!
randomspirits
Oh this is so cool!!! There's no one else like Valve. Saxton Hale should be the VIP if the VIP ever comes to TF2.
This is why Valve is the BEST.1@Joghobs: They've been on a roll for ten years, bless 'em.
xot
MANN CO. Is the best!
"We Sell Products and Get in Fights"
@stupid_mcgee: uber pyro > zerg rush: The meet the X videos really help in giving the characters real charisma.
@Sir-Lucius: Whoops, my bad you're right. Capcom's first arcade machine was 84. The parent company they spawned from was created in 1979. So I'm off by ~5 years. My point still stands. 25 years experience making quality games shouldn't be negated by 5 years of obnoxious DLC practices.
Sir-Lucius
@Karlott: Capcom has been making arcade machines since 1979. Their first console game was '84.
Sir-Lucius
@Mr. Tambourine Man: I want a job there!
hardcache
@lostbizzo:
Actually, someone who got this letter posted about it a few days ago and guessed (correctly) that it was a new Spy weapon. :P
Guess Who
@Eran: Really? I see the opposite holding true. Valve is part of a dying breed when it comes to free updates.
Sir-Lucius
@Mr. Tambourine Man: Russel Crowe must work there! (*South Park reference*)
@Captain Pigeon: zing!!
Trekka
@Superlocke: Criterion provided free updates... for one game?!?
Valve are free updating TF2 and L4D, a trend that's likely to run into other games..
Much love to Valve.
lolomfgisuck
@SlimCognito:
"Thank you for your fear of the following Mann Co. Product(s):"
Thats what they would check off. Haha
My lord, I love Valve.
<3 Valve
@HepCat:
lulz, awesome.
@GOLD5: MAKIN' MOVIES, MAKIN' SONGS AND FIGHTIN' ROUND' THE WORLD!
Lucas Hamel
Valve = Awesomeness
Abyss123
@Scorch3: "rad" is perfectly "cromulent" use of the english language :p