TF2 Community’s Endless Battle Against Bots: 340,000 Fans Deliver Petition to Valve
Team Fortress 2, arguably one of Valve’s most iconic titles, has maintained a fiercely loyal player base despite years of ongoing issues with bots and repeated cycles of bans. In 2022, fans rallied under the #SaveTF2 campaign, prompting Valve to address the bot crisis, which in turn led to a surge in player numbers. Fast forward to 2024, and the situation feels eerily familiar—yet another fan-driven campaign has emerged, once again leading to action from Valve and a doubling of the player count.
In June 2024, Valve responded to the latest #SaveTF2 plea with a wave of bot bans and a hard stance on appeal rejections. By September, fans, led by YouTuber and organizer “TheWhat,” took their efforts a step further, compiling a petition with over 340,000 signatures and hand-delivering it to Valve HQ. This symbolic gesture reflects the enduring passion of the TF2 community, though the cyclical nature of these campaigns gives many players a sense of déjà vu.
While some community members remain optimistic, others are understandably wary, given the game’s turbulent history. However, recent signs of improvement, including a significant summer update and a temporary reprieve from the bot invasion, offer hope. Valve has acknowledged that the summer update is largely built from community content, a practice they’ve embraced as the new normal. Additionally, the return of the TF2 comic has sparked excitement.
Despite these positive steps, many fans remain cautious about the future, knowing that the cycle could repeat itself. TF2 may be approaching its 17th year, but its passionate community shows no signs of giving up on the game they love—no matter how many times they have to #SaveTF2.
