Dota 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Dota 2 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Valve says loot boxes are just like "Pokemon, Magic the Gathering, and Labubu" as it pushes back against New York lawsuit, claims it's being pressured to "collect more personal data" for "additional age verification"
Valve is pushing back against a lawsuit from the New York Attorney General's office that claims its loot boxes constitute gambling. The company argues that these "mystery boxes" are akin to collectible card games and has expressed concerns about demands for increased personal data collection for age verification. Valve states it will comply with any future legislation but intends to fight the current lawsuit.
Valve argues loot boxes "widely used, not just in video games but in the tangible world" as it expresses 'disappointment' over New York state lawsuit
Valve has responded to a lawsuit filed by New York State, which alleges that its loot box system constitutes illegal gambling. The company expressed disappointment, arguing that the transferability of digital items is beneficial to consumers and that their "mystery boxes" are comparable to tangible collectibles like baseball cards. Valve also highlighted its efforts to combat the misuse of game items on gambling sites and its concerns about the invasive data collection proposed by the state.
Valve posted a statement on the New York lootbox lawsuit
Valve has issued a statement addressing the New York Attorney General's lawsuit concerning lootboxes in Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2. The company argues that these mystery boxes do not violate gambling laws and compares them to tangible collectible items like baseball or Pokemon cards. Valve also expressed concerns about the Attorney General's demands for increased personal data collection for age verification and the proposed removal of item transferability.
How Marathon avoids the mistake that Concord and Highguard made
Marathon is praised for avoiding the "Blorko" problem that affected Concord and Highguard by implementing a unique "Shells" mechanic for combat avatars. The game, developed by Bungie, launched on March 5, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, offering a fresh take on shooter gameplay with depth and flexibility. The article also briefly mentions other games like Crabmeat, Pragmata, Fortnite, Super Mario Lego, Never's End, Crimson Desert, and the lawsuit against Valve regarding lootboxes.
Valve Addresses New York Loot Box Lawsuit: "We Refuse To Do That"
Valve has publicly responded to a lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General, which claims that the company's loot box mechanics constitute illegal gambling. Valve denies these claims, arguing that loot boxes are akin to physical collectibles and that players are not required to engage with them. The company also stated it refuses to remove item transferability or implement invasive user data collection as demanded by the Attorney General.
Another new lawsuit against Valve in Washington USA takes aim at lootboxes
Valve Software is facing a new class-action lawsuit in Washington, USA, targeting loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2. The lawsuit, filed by Hagens Berman, alleges that Valve uses gambling-like psychological techniques to encourage spending on loot boxes, particularly affecting minors. This adds to a series of recent legal challenges against the company regarding its monetization practices.
New lawsuit wants Valve to repay "billions" earned from "illegal gambling" lootboxes in Counter-Strike, Dota 2 and Team Fortress 2
A 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 boxes
Valve 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 Briefs
A 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 boxes
New 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 lawyer
New 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 helgen
Slay 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 weekend
Slay 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 changes
Valve'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 - IGN
Slay 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 Guides
This 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 #42
This 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 violations
New 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.
