Valve Unwraps Frosty Surprise For Naughty Dota 2 Players In Update 7.35

Valve Corporation has just rolled out a unique form of holiday cheer with its latest Dota 2 patch 7.35, combining festive spirit with a stern message to rule-breakers. The update, released amid the joyous return of the Christmas-themed Frostivus event, isn't all about the usual gameplay and hero balance changes.

This year, Valve has decided to make a Naughty List, checking it twice and delivering "highly toxic lumps of coal" to Dota 2 players who haven't been playing nicely with others — specifically, those involved in smurfing (i.e., creating alt accounts to play against less skilled players unfairly) or violating Steam's Terms of Service (like hacking or scamming).

Conversely, rule-abiding Dota 2 players (like myself hehe) are in for a treat. King Kringle's benevolence extends to those with positive behavior scores, rewarding them with Frostivus gifts. While these gifts may not hold substantial value, they symbolize Valve's appreciation for players who maintain the integrity of the game—after all, it's the thought that counts.

For those who might not know, Frostivus is a time-honored Dota 2 tradition that has evolved from a materialistic frenzy into a season of giving. And this year, Valve has clearly done the most to reintroduce the event with a twist, reminding players that Frostivus is not just about cosmetics — it's about celebrating the spirit of the season.

That said, it goes without saying that the Dota 2 community has warmly received this creative approach to rule enforcement, with Reddit buzzing with comments praising Valve's initiative. From celebrating the inventive way of banning rule-breakers to appreciating free cosmetic sets for positive players, the community's response has been overwhelmingly positive.

One user, Lanster27, humorously remarked on the inevitability of accepting the penalty, saying, "I like how the only option is to 'accept' like you're accepting a freebie." Another Redditor, _W1LL14M_, applauded Valve's approach and hoped for other studios to follow, "I would love to see more developers get this sassy when banning hackers, smurfs, etc." A third, reazura, noted that "Valve's been on their A-game with regards to dealing with smurfs."

Valve's innovative approach in this update not only reinforces the festive spirit but also underlines the company's commitment to maintaining a fair and enjoyable gaming environment. As the Frostivus season unfolds, players can look forward to both the joys of the season and the satisfaction of a well-maintained gaming community.