TF2 Trading: Not a Good Experience, Everytime

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Mei Satsuki

It is not fun to play a team game, like Team Fortress 2, if the people in your team don’t have sense of, uh, teamwork. No, not fun at all. Those people who don’t want to switch to a needed role even though they are two of their chosen role. Causing you headache all day. Another is those people who don’t respond to team strategy. “Hey, that dude seems to be the best among the enemy team. Maybe we should focus fire him.” “Nah, I will hit whoever I want to hit.” Oh, my blood pressure. Why are there such people in Team Fortress 2? Well it’s not exclusive to TF2 but, why on the game I am playing? If there’s a headache remedy in TF2 Trading / Market, I would like to purchase a lifetime supply.

TF2 Trading: Feel My Pain

Petlast from TF2 Subreddit seems to be feeling my pain on this subject:

2013 recruit, not as experienced as some of you but skilled enough to want to play with people who want to coordinate. And over the past few weeks with the difficulty of getting into casual servers with friends I started looking for decent players to hang out with.

I’ve been to about a hundred community servers over the past two weeks trying to find a decent group to have any sort of regular game with, but I’ve yet to find any. Each server I go to has no communication, no coordination, organization, or consideration for any type of “team” action, whether it be pushing, healing, or defending. Voice chat is horrendous, from squeakers who won’t shut up to people who talk to themselves like they’re doing a let’s play. Have communities on TF2 always been this frustrating?

I’m at my wit’s end. I just want to play a game with people who can strategize and have fun. Is this hidden somewhere I can’t find?

I am not saying that there are no decent players in the game but if you encounter these selfish people, really ruins your day. TF2 items won’t remedy the headaches and nightmares of experiences like these.

I’m sure you experienced this like Petlast and I. Share your past experience with us!

TF2 Market Team Composition, Please

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Mei Satsuki

Okay, I called it. I knew that team composition for people will still be insignificant even after the meet your match. These kids that have so many hats because their moms bought them for them in the TF2 Market whenever they have tantrums will stay stubborn as fuck whether it be casual quick play or in competitive mode. Yeah, team composition is not important for them and apparently, they don’t care if they like losing for like, forever. Yeah, I predicted it and I think with what I’m about to share will actually confirm it.

TF2 Market Kids

While I was just reading some good posts in Reddit about how Team Fortress 2 has become somewhat active again because of the new patch, I came across this thread about some stupid pubs (snipers and spies) not wanting to change roles for defense. Here is the photo of the poster:

Yeah, if someone is asking you nicely, you should at least not be an asshole right? But no, this individual was so cool that he had to reply with such douchery.

Don’t get me wrong, I still think snipers and spies are strong in Team Fortress 2 but they are not the ideal roles to play on defense. In addition, I assume this is a pub. Original poster must have solo queued and got teamed up with this douchebag. So yeah, one should expect that these pubs aren’t any good. If you are, great! But we ain’t expecting you to be so kindly switch, right? Common sense.

I really feel for IFuckSJWsDaily since you know, he has common sense getting grouped up with people who don’t have. In addition, the desire to win was non-existent for those, again, kids. Losing isn’t fun and without good team composition, you are bound to lose. I really do hope these kinds of people stay in the quick play mode because for sure they will be a pain in the ass in competitive mode. If that happens, yeah, I would definitely trade TF2 for another fps game.

TF2 Trading: Improvement

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Mei Satsuki

Competitive mode has been out for quite some time now and Team Fortress 2 players encounter some problems with regards to being able to compete properly in the new mode. For sure, any casual player like me who thinks more about TF2 trading, gets surprised on how to play competitively despite of the good performance we do in the casual quick play games. So yeah, competitive mode is a whole new arena for us and self-doubt is inevitable.

TF2 Trading: How to Improve

It all starts with the drive to improve. If you don’t have any of that, you will never survive or even enjoy the times you go into competitive play. First step is to accept you are not doing good then afterwards would be searching ways on how to improve. One way to search on how to improve is by asking people (or anyone really) for tips and tricks. Like this guy in Reddit, hajjr6 asked the TF2 Reddit on how he can improve his play with spy and engineer:

My best classes are shit (spy and engi) and anytime I play another class I do awful. I don’t know what to do, and I’m so fed up. Whenever I play Engi or spy in casual, I do extremely well.

Fortunately, someone answered him properly by commenting this:

As spy start working on revolver aim, stock revolver can do a decent 35-40 or so damage at mid range, and crits for 120. the big earner is one of the better sidegrades for its quick speed and combined with the deadringer can get you in to stab and out in no time at all. also, practice on baiting people with the deadringer, keep them distracted finding you and learn ammo locations to keep it up consistently, try for 3-4 deadrings every life or more

For engineer practice shotgun aim, shotgun spread is rather tight and with fast shot speed can do rather well close range on people whom might not notice you. running gunslinger is almost a must, for added health to survive and fast mini sentries for extra DPS. stock pistol for long range

With this, hajjr6 is on his way to improvement. How about you, do you need to improve? TF2 items will do nothing for you. Be like hajjr6. Ask away!

Steam Keys: Quake Champions at Quakecon

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Richard Griever

It’s now official that the original franchise that put the FPS genre on the map is joining the fray of the budding FPS e-sports scene with Quake Champions. It’s invariably a revival of its arena shooter franchise with the twist of the growing popularity of being a team-based shooters like Overwatch and Team Fortress 2.

Despite the hype of hardcore Quake fans, Quake champions had a relatively odd reaction when it was showcased in Quakecon 2016. At this point, it’s clear that the developers have to work on a few more things for its marketing before they can assume Steam keys will fly off virtual shelves upon its release in, presumably, late 2017 or early 2018.

Steam Keys E-Sports: Street Fighter Meets Quake

The first thing Tim Willits, creative director of the game, presented was that it wasn’t at all going to change from how diehards know the franchase. High-speed, technical combat with rocket jumping and all the complications that put Quake on the map were still in the game. With a showcase of the classic weaponry in a new engine and era, the audience simply lapped up everything that was thrown at them – that is, until the developers showcased the heroes usable in-game.

Similar to Mobas like League of Legends and Dota or like other class-based shooters like Overwatch, Quake Champions has its, well, champions do unique things like blinking, acrobatics, flying, and a ton of other stuff that set them apart from other champions, giving them distinct advantages over others. While that sounds great for the common gamer, it wasn’t too well received by the truly diehard Quake fans.

The devs, id Software, hoped that this would be a bit more welcomed by their target audience as they see the champion element of the game more as a supplementary element than anything else, setting itself apart from the likes of Mobas and other team-based shooters by having more focus on individual skill rather than the rock-paper-scissors element these other games have for their class mechanics.

id Software knows exactly that there’s this spot for their classic, high-speed, arena-style game in the industry. However, their biggest fear is ending up making Quake 3 once more, but only with improved visuals. This is the sole reason as to why they want the champions element within the game. But the reaction to it is absolutely mixed at best and quite hostile at worst. There are already tons of comments on the internet that Quake Champions should either have the option to turn off the champion uniqueness and possibly be just as moddable as the previous Quake games. Granted, id Software believes that there is more depth in strategy this way, but they may be forgetting what Quake is famous for: Pure skill.

“Street Fighter Meets Quake,” is what id Software thinks of Quake Champions. It is in the sense that everybody has natural moves like heavy kicks, heavy punches, light kicks and etc., but each character has a certain tinge of uniqueness that sets them apart from one another. However, at the end of the day, no matter what sort of special moves you have, it is always the normal moves (in Quake’s case, normal shooting) is what is going to win you the match. As much as that kind of makes sense, what team-based shooter ISN’T about the shooting? It’s a pretty generic description of what they’re going for, to be completely honest.

There’s going to be a lot more kinks for them to work on if they’re going to want this to be accepted by their loyal fanbase, let alone the casual fanbase that is more likely to get the game e-sports status than any other demographic. I’m feeling quite optimistic about Quake Champions and that it can safely enter the major stage of e-sports, but id Software has a lot of work to do before those Steam keys sell.

Steam Account Value Sales! Quakecon Going Strong!

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Richard Griever

If you aren’t in the know, like me, Quakecon started this weekend on the 4th and up to the 7th. It’s a bit too late for any of us to go catch up on Zenimax Media’s celebration and promotion of their major franchises from the studios they own, including the much beloved id Software and, of course, the great Bethesda. But it isn’t too late for us PC gamers who happen to have Steam accounts. Then again, who doesn’t have a Steam account in 2016? Console plebs; that’s who.

I kid, of course, and only want to foster the love for all things Quake and everything else this franchise has inspired. With all this hubbub about another team-based shooter coming in the form of Quake Champions this 2017 (the beta at least), and the shooter genre seemingly getting a strong revival due to the efforts of Overwatch, CS:GO, and the like, going back to the franchise that started it all is something on everybody’s gaming menu.

In celebration of this event, Steam has put up a Quakecon sale where all things Quake, their subsidiaries, and all things Bethesda are on sale up to the 8th (tomorrow!!!) for up to a whopping 50%.

Steam Account Value Sale! The Games

First of all, you’ve got the ever-awesome revival of the Doom series by Bethesda going for a chunky 50% off from its regular price. This is one game, if you haven’t played yet, that you should be grabbing right this instant. It’s single player campaign is something that the gaming industry hasn’t seen for decades, bringing back to a modern age what made Doom so popular in the first place – unfettered blood and guts. More than anything else, this is the one to fetch you the most Steam account value.

The next that I would suggest you get for your Steam account is, of course, Wolfenstein as it is as much a classic as Doom and Quake are. With some intense story telling, amazing golden standard FPS gameplay, and a riveting overall, it’s another that you simply cannot miss out on for this massive Steam sale.

There are, of course, a ton more games for you to go buy. These are only my top two suggestions. Check out the Quakecon sale on Steam before it ceases on the 8th!

TF2 Trading: Last Part

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Mei Satsuki

Last time I shared to you, TF2 players and TF2 trading people, the last part of an amazing story about LoopsCode who achieved his dream with the help of actually playing Team Fortress 2.

TF2 Trading: Some Last Words

Well, we finished reading his story but he has some parting words and actually the moral of his own story. Here it goes:

So this is my story of how TF2 helped me achieved my dream of getting a job in Silicon Valley.

The lesson I learned is – just be a good person. Be a good person even under the veil of anonymity. You don’t know when it will bite you in the butt, or when it will literally help you achieve your dreams. Just do it!

tl;dr air shots and med picks achieve dreams

EDIT: I swear I wouldn’t do these type of “front page EDITs”, but damn, I woke up to 800 upvotes and a gild. Thank you all so much for receiving this so well. Frankly, I was pretty happy when I got 10 upvotes.. I’ll try my best to respond to each and every one of your comments, but if I miss you, I apologize 🙂

This guy is very humble indeed. You know you will get so many blessings if you stay humble and do what you do.

There is one comment that I would like to highlights and it came from Jordanis. He said:

“The lesson here, folks, is make some friends.”

That’s true. You play an online game and just make an enemy out of every person you see won’t do you any good. Be humble and friendly always. Who knows, one of those people you bump to might be the closest one you will ever be. Which Kepgnar got right:

“Indeed, “playing TF2” didn’t get you the job, “knowing someone who worked there” got you the job. “playing TF2” helped you develop and demonstrate the skills to back up your referral.

Which seems to be the best way to get in somewhere, almost always.”

So yeah, whether it be giving away TF2 Items or just being friendly, the lesson is be good to everyone you meet and stay that way.

TF2 Market: Good Story Pt. 4

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Mei Satsuki

Last time I shared with you the third part of a very nice story. Here is the fourth part for you guys to enjoy as Team Fortress 2 fans and active TF2 market patrons.

TF2 Market: Continuation

I arrived at their office a few weeks later in beautiful California. I went through the rounds of interviews starting at 9 AM. After the seven and a half hours of interviews, of testing me everything from algorithms, data structures, building simple apps, asking me questions about design/UX/UI, career motivations, culture fit questions, and more, it was over. I was emotionally/physically/mentally exhausted, but I felt good. I even got to meet Messiah in person for the first time in two years, and he gave me a TF2 shirt. Even after meeting him in person, I still can’t put a face to his voice from Mumble. It’s just too unreal.

After I flew home, I went through one more phone technical interview with them, just to get more data. Considering they are a data analytics company, that made a lot of sense.

So after around 11+ combined hours of interviews, one day, my now-boss called me to extend me an offer. It was my first offer, from a company of my dreams, and after all those rejections! I don’t think happiness described it. After literally nine months of rejections after rejections, of reviewing those excruciating data structures and algorithms questions (which takes time away from me from developing great applications), of waking up knowing I still don’t have a job while friends around me were getting offers – it was finally over. It actually took me three days to fully process the mental load that it’s over.

I achieved my dream, but I didn’t do it alone. Playing TF2 actually helped me achieve my dream. Thank you Messiah, Borat, and the rest of the team for being such good people. I honestly can say I couldn’t have done it without them!

Wow, Team Fortress 2 isn’t just a game. TF2 can teach some lessons that can be applied in real life. Amazing story. Trade TF2 or not, it’s still a great game. Hope you enjoyed this story by LoopsCode and learned something!

Steam Keys Esports: Overwatch Banning and Crazy Whining

Posted on August 2, 2016August 2, 2016 by Richard Griever

The latest banwave from Blizzard happened just on the 1st of July and it’s been glorious. Tons of people have been banned and the servers haven’t felt cleaner. I knew that one Soldier 76 in that one game was just too good to be playing fairly!

But I digress; Blizzard has been doing a fantastic job in maintaining the integrity of the game by quickly taking out these script kiddies before their taint spreads farther unlike Valve with their treatment of Team Fortress 2. While CS:GO has its automated VAC bans, it doesn’t take everything out and, sometimes, a lot of hacks get right through, only banning the hackers when a live moderator steps in. And, even then, they aren’t too aggressive on the matter. Hackers on Steam sure get the full worth of their Steam keys.

Unfortunately, for Blizzard’s side, script kiddies certainly get punched in the nuts way before they can start doing stupid crap. But what’s even more hilarious is the fact that these same cheaters have the nerve, gall, balls, or whatever you want to call it, to get angry AT Blizzard for an apparently “unfair” ban.

The failure due to the absence of mind of these people are just astonishing. From CS:GO’s VAC porn reddit page, a certain redditor presented to the public the reactions of people in a unnamed gaming forum where they accept cheating fully. I swear that you will not believe what you’ll be reading. In fact, all the reactions in the photo album of reaction screenshots simply scream “staged” in every sense of the word due to how absolutely baffling the reactions are. Then again, there are stranger things in the world.

You can click on the link above to see the full album of the reactions, but here are a couple down below as a sample of what to expect. Enjoy.

Steam Keys: A Few Samples

TF2 Trading: Good Story Pt. 3

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Mei Satsuki

Last time I shared with you the second part of a very nice story. Here is the third part for you guys to enjoy as Team Fortress 2 fans and active TF2 trading players.

TF2 Trading: Continuation

This is the third part of the (true) story of LoopsCode in Reddit:

Fast forward a few more months, the team sort of disbanded because we all had real life responsibilities to attend to (although no worries, we all shoot the shit on our Slack channel on a daily basis). I was talking to Messiah how I was graduating soon in June 2016, and whether he has any tips for me for job search.

Little did I know, Messiah, who I absolutely admire because he is also the main dev of a Steam based website, works in a company in Silicon Valley. I was absolutely flabbergasted. Recall, I’ve known him for around a year and a half by now, and this is the first time I knew about this. He keeps it very low key, a hint to his character. He asked me if I was interested in his company, which is conveniently located in the center of Silicon Valley.

Am I interested? Am I?? My life long dream has been to work in Silicon Valley. I think interested was an understatement. I was more like – fuck yes I am!

I honestly tried to apply for internships in this area all five years of my college career, with no luck each time. Being able to begin my career in the Valley would actually fulfill a long-time dream of mine.

Messiah put in a good word for me to the CEO of the company knowing what I did with the UGC Roster Verifier tool (and our fun technical discussions on coding and tech in Slack/Mumble), and I scheduled my first call with them.

One call led to another technical call. Then a third culture call. Then finally, I was invited to their office in the Valley for a full day of on-site interviews. I flew over from the East coast; everything was paid for. Was I nervous? Goddamn I was. At this point, I was rejected by a few companies already, and morale was at a new low.

Whoa, what happens next? Stay put for the next part as we continue on with his story! It’s as if winning a lottery of great TF2 Items.

Top 15 Steam Codes By Player Count

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Richard Griever

Bored with your tired old games on Steam or other platforms? Or maybe you’re just looking for a ton more players that are active on specific games on Steam? Well, if you are looking to buy Steam games that are out of your regular genres, it may be wise to take a look at the top Steam games that are being played for the past 30 days. It’s always a good thing to look at the trends now and then to be able to look for those specific Steam codes you may want to buy and try out for yourself. Even if you are not a fan of the genre of a specific Steam redeem code, you may find it worthwhile to play with tons of other players that aren’t normally present in single player games or lesser popular multiplayer games.

The Top 15 Steam Codes to Watch Out For

Name	Current Players	Last 30 Days	Peak Players	Hours Played
1.	Dota 2	564,942	1,084,198	447,215,567
2.	Counter-Strike: Global Offensive	180,250	636,056	256,314,399
3.	Team Fortress 2	38,919	72,643	38,454,926
4.	Grand Theft Auto V	33,589	71,778	32,700,360
5.	Sid Meier’s Civilization V	32,082	73,683	31,346,320
6.	Starbound	29,745	62,201	6,997,268
7.	Garry’s Mod	28,395	59,522	28,036,053
8.	ARK: Survival Evolved	26,606	69,764	28,161,143
9.	Unturned	20,133	38,395	20,575,408
10.	Warframe	19,390	61,417	20,510,907
11.	Rust	19,124	64,555	22,478,100
12.	Rocket League	19,038	58,676	21,526,516
13.	Fallout 4	18,747	41,541	17,427,183
14.	Football Manager 2016	18,620	68,505	27,594,070
15.	The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim	16,870	49,134

No matter what you do, you can’t ever unseat the undisputed awesomeness that Skyrim maintains to this very day. Not only has it aged so damned well since its release in 2013, but it stays fresh due to the extremely active modding community that continuously works to improve the game in various ways. If you haven’t gotten Steam codes for Skyrim yet, then I suggest that’s the first one you go for on this list.

Apart from its contemporary in Fallout 4, all other games on the list are the more popular multiplayer Steam games that have either strong e-sports roots or those that are still attempting to be legit e-sports like Rocket League and Ark. These multiplayer Steam games are a mix of things that will certainly interest different kinds of people, but it is clear that Dota 2 still reigns supreme and is in no way going to be unseated from its throne any time soon. If Mobas aren’t your thing and you seem to have an allergy for CS:GO, a multiplayer Steam codes game you could possibly try is Rust, Ark, and Warframe. These are all great games on their own and you shouldn’t miss out on them.

The Best Games on Steam

Tips and Tricks for Quality Steam Games