Valve, the video game developer, has announced that it will stop releasing new content via a Battle Pass for Dota 2. The decision comes after Valve admitted that the heavy focus on the Battle Pass, which is released alongside Dota 2’s yearly esports event, The International, gave the rest of the year a “barren” feeling. In a blog post, Valve explained that they began to question whether a “single focal point around which all content delivery was designed” was the best approach for Dota 2. They decided to put more resources towards “more speculative updates, including features and content that couldn’t fit into a Battle Pass.” This led to the release of the New Frontiers update in April, which included map changes, new minibosses, and spell rebalancing.
Valve’s Confidence in New Approach
Valve claims that the New Frontiers update has been successful enough to warrant a new approach to updating Dota 2. They believe that working less on cosmetic content for the Battle Pass and more on a variety of exciting updates is the right long-term path for the game. Valve noted that most Dota players never buy a Battle Pass and never receive any rewards from it. However, every player can benefit from UI improvements, new client features, and exploring the new map, playing with new items, and accidentally dying to a Tormentor. Valve is confident that this new approach will benefit both the game and the community.
Future Updates and Anniversary Plans
Valve has confirmed that there will still be an update to coincide with The International in September, and the sales from it will contribute to the competition’s prize pool. However, the update will not be a Battle Pass, and cosmetics will not play a significant role. Instead, cosmetics will be released “over the year” alongside “more diverse updates.” Valve also announced that Dota 2 is ten years old this year, and they are working on some “fun stuff” for the anniversary. However, it won’t be ready in time for July 9th.
Valve has decided to move away from releasing new content via a Battle Pass for Dota 2 and focus on more varied and regular updates instead. The heavy focus on the Battle Pass was leaving the rest of the year feeling barren by comparison. Valve is confident that this new approach will benefit both the game and the community. The update that coincides with The International in September will not be a Battle Pass, and cosmetics will not play a significant role. Valve is also celebrating Dota 2’s ten-year anniversary this year, but it won’t be ready in time for July 9th.
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