Dota 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Dota 2 across the outlets.
New lawsuit wants Valve to repay "billions" earned from "illegal gambling" lootboxes in Counter-Strike, Dota 2 and Team Fortress 2A new class action lawsuit has been filed against Valve, accusing the company of operating an illegal gambling operation through lootbox mechanics in Counter-Strike 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2. The lawsuit seeks billions in restitution for alleged illicit profits made from these gambling features, which plaintiffs argue use psychological techniques similar to casino games and are particularly dangerous for younger players.
Valve facing second, class-action lawsuit over loot boxesValve is facing a second class-action lawsuit alleging that loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2 constitute illegal gambling, particularly targeting children. The lawsuit claims Valve engineered these systems using casino-style tactics to extract money from consumers, and that the virtual items obtained are valuable as they can be sold for real money.
Valve sued by The Performing Right Society for allegedly using its members musical works "without permission"The Performing Right Society (PRS) has sued Valve, alleging the unauthorized use of copyrighted music on the Steam platform. PRS claims Valve has never obtained a license for music from its members, which includes songs featured in titles like Forza Horizon, EA FC, and Grand Theft Auto. Separately, Roblox has launched two new developer programs, Incubator and Jumpstart, to support creators in building and scaling games on its platform, while also highlighting growth opportunities within its older user demographic.- Morning Legal BriefsA legal specialist commented on New York's lawsuit against Valve concerning Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2. The article also touches upon Epic Games' efforts to clarify Google's alleged silencing of Tim Sweeney.
"That would be a really big problem" - a specialist lawyer weighs in on New York suing Valve over Counter Strike 2 and Dota 2 loot boxesNew York's attorney general is suing Valve over loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, alleging they constitute illegal gambling. Lawyer Justin Jacobson explains that New York's legal framework may differ from other states, potentially allowing the suit to proceed by focusing on the actual practice and value of digital items rather than terms of service. The case's outcome could significantly impact Valve's operations in New York, especially if an injunction is issued.- What does New York's legal case against Valve mean for the company and its players? To find out, we asked a lawyerNew York's attorney general is suing Valve, alleging that loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 constitute illegal gambling. Lawyer Justin Jacobson explains that the case hinges on whether digital goods are considered a "thing of value" under New York law, which has different statutes than other states. The lawsuit could have significant financial implications for Valve, particularly if an injunction is issued in New York.
- Slay the Spire 2 nådde över en halv miljon spelare i helgenSlay the Spire 2 achieved a peak of 574,638 concurrent players on Steam over the weekend, ranking it as the third most played game on the platform. The early access title also topped Steam's global sales chart and received a 96% positive rating from over 27,000 players.
Over half a million of us played Slay the Spire 2 this weekendSlay the Spire 2 achieved a peak of over 574,000 concurrent players on Steam during its launch weekend, surpassing many other popular titles. This strong performance indicates significant sales for Mega Crit's highly anticipated sequel, which recently launched into early access.- Deadlock revamps its whole hero pool as new patch introduces over 800 changesValve's upcoming game Deadlock received a massive patch introducing over 800 changes, revamping its entire hero pool and altering general game systems. The update also included item renames and additions, with the developer suggesting a significant portion of the Dota 2 team is now working on Deadlock. This extensive overhaul indicates accelerated development for the title, though a 2027 release is still anticipated.
Slay the Spire 2 Launches, Immediately Shatters a Concurrent Player Record on Steam - IGNSlay the Spire 2 has achieved a new concurrent player record for a roguelike on Steam during its early access launch, reaching over 177,000 players. This surpasses previous records set by Hades 2 and Mewgenics. The game is currently available on PC, with console versions expected after its full release.- What is Video Game Addiction like?This article discusses the severe nature of video game addiction, distinguishing it from a mere hobby. It highlights how massively multiplayer online games like World of Warcraft can become more important than real life, leading to significant negative impacts such as neglecting personal hygiene, health, work, and education. The World Health Organization's classification of Gaming Disorder is mentioned as a recognized condition.
How to Win at Games Without Using GuidesThis article discusses the prevalence of gaming guides and wikis, suggesting that players sometimes wish to complete games without external help. It offers strategies such as trial and error, documenting findings in a journal, and drawing maps to enhance the gaming experience and reduce reliance on guides.
Valve in hot water, Discord begs forgiveness, and more game media layoffs - Patch Notes #42This week's gaming news roundup covers significant industry events including Microsoft's Xbox leadership changes, Valve facing a lawsuit over gambling in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, and layoffs at companies like Riot Games and Eurogamer. Additionally, Krafton appointed a chief AI officer, Embark Studios' CEO became Nexon's executive chairman, and Discord delayed its age verification rollout.
New York sues Valve over loot boxes, alleges gambling law violationsNew York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging that loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2 promote illegal gambling and harm minors. The lawsuit seeks to stop Valve's promotion of illegal gambling and impose fines, citing the company's billions in profits from these in-game mechanics.
Valve accused of "letting children and adults alike illegally gamble" via loot boxes in New York state lawsuitNew York State Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging the company violates gambling laws through loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2 and Team Fortress 2. The lawsuit seeks to stop Valve from promoting these features, disgorge ill-gotten gains, and impose fines, citing potential harm and addiction, especially to young people.
New York sues Valve over "illegally promoting gambling" for loot boxesNew York Attorney General Letitia James has sued Valve, alleging that the company illegally promotes gambling through loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2. The lawsuit claims these mechanics, which allow players to buy chances for valuable virtual items that can be sold for real money, are akin to slot machines and are particularly harmful to minors. Valve is accused of facilitating third-party marketplaces for these items and profiting significantly from this practice.- Valve is getting sued in New York, this time over loot boxes in Counter Strike and Dota 2The New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, is suing Valve, alleging that the company facilitates illegal gambling through loot boxes in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2. The lawsuit claims that Valve profits from allowing "children and adults" to gamble on virtual items with real-world value, potentially leading to addiction. The state is seeking to permanently stop Valve's alleged illegal conduct and obtain restitution and damages for consumers.
New York sues Valve over loot box-driven gamblingNew York has filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging the company illegally promotes gambling through video games popular with children and teenagers. The suit targets Valve's loot box ecosystem, which the state's attorney general equates to unregulated gambling, citing games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2. The lawsuit aims to halt Valve's alleged illegal conduct and protect New York residents from the harms of gambling addiction.
Valve's new Deadlock shooter nearly as popular on Steam as Overwatch, despite being invite-only and far from finishedValve's unreleased hero shooter, Deadlock, has seen a significant surge in player numbers on Steam, reaching a peak of 125,000 concurrent players after a recent update. This surge places it close to the player count of Overwatch, despite Deadlock being invite-only and lacking an official release date. The game blends hero shooter and MOBA elements, drawing comparisons to Valve's own Team Fortress 2 and Dota 2.
The Top 3 Esports Games for Betting in 2025Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, and Dota 2 are identified as the top three esports titles for betting in 2025 due to their frequent tournaments, straightforward betting markets, and strategic depth. The article also notes the significant growth in the overall sports betting market in 2024, with U.S. revenue exceeding $14.2 billion.