Fall of Fortress

The rise and fall of my favourite game of all time. Make sure you join me and the rest of the TF2 community on May 26th with #SaveTF2. We don't know if it will get a response from Valve, but it is definitely worth a shot.
0:00 - Introduction
2:05 - Inception
3:57 - The Rise
6:30 - My Experience
8:44 - The Downfall
10:17 - Current State
15:49 - #SaveTF2
💸Patreon: / elmaxo
🎥2nd Channel: / elmaxo2nd
🌏Discord: / discord
🐦Twitter: / elmaxo_swag
📷 Instagram: / elmaxo_swag
🎬Twitch: / elmaxo__
🎶Music List: pastebin.com/7brjUsp6
⚙️Config: www.shorturl.at/rDGUX
💾HUD: budhud
🎨SFM Artist: @Jauntyweb
⬛Twitter: / jauntywebau
#savetf2 #tf2 #teamfortress2

[@elmaxoTF2]

Well, we actually got a response from Valve on their official Twitter! This is great news for the community and hopefully we can see some solid action taken against the bot crisis. Thank you to everyone who participated in the movement, it was insane to see the community band together like that.

[@theskeleton8576]

There was even a notification on TF2 itself talking about this situation. Pretty sure it said something about them working on something, however, that notification appeared a few hours ago now.

[@wheel4155]

@@theskeleton8576 Better than nothing

[@wheel4155]

Like the last few years

[@engideergaming]

keep it going. if we stop talking now, back to nothing. don't harass anyone though.

[@undeadwerewolves9463]

That’s great news.

[@cannonballking7]

The fortress still stands strong, but raiders have been within its walls for far too long.

[@C.A._Old]

We Are Going to Live FOREVER ! +1

[@lambdaambs2765]

We boutta pull an Odysessus? And just kill the bots?

[@sploosh9832]

beans

[@austinkuklinski6354]

Great analogy my friend!

[@TheGreatDanish]

"Stands strong" "Basically fucking unplayable unless you get into a custom server." I don't know how these two things correlate? But you go off king about your dying game that's getting milked by valve. I'm sure any day now Gabe will actually get off his ass and do something, just like hasn't for the last 5 years.

[@Zeyo]

It's actually insane how Valve still puts out new cases while just ignoring the bot problem #SaveTF2

[@icesultan]

Hi Zeyo! You're a big inspiration for my yt Vids. Keep up the good work!

[@rejvaik00]

Valve prioritize his money over they do quality games it's sad but they really have fallen as a company And even though I say this I keep getting stans coming up to defend valve and thier benevolent godhood because they made a great game 20 years ago in the form of Half-Life so that forever puts them in the spotlight of you're not allowed to criticize

[@frankswims]

#SaveTF2 love u zeyo

[@TheGreatDanish]

That's why this whole savetf2 shit is a waste of time and effort. If they haven't updated the game in 5 years, they aren't going to magically do it now after the game has bled players and profitability for so long. You're literally living in fantasy land if you think Valve gives a single shit about us. They got their money from Steam, so fuck us, we don't matter.

[@rejvaik00]

@@TheGreatDanish ☝️ preach the truth brother

[@lopertyl6534]

“Good news! We are not dying! We are going to live *FOREVER!“*

[@jackmio]

"I didn't say that! I just said we're not filled with tumors!"

[@megabloxandvideogamesjusti2455]

yaaay America wins again

[@coldmashedpotatoes1702]

WHY'D YOU STEAL MY AUSTRALIUM

[@trollge5052]

@@coldmashedpotatoes1702 what happen

[@coldmashedpotatoes1702]

@@trollge5052 I really don’t know I’m gonna rewatch the video

[@deltacee9751]

although ive been in this community for only 2 years, this game is still the best and funniest fps ive ever played #savetf2

[@ThomasFFoolery8383]

Hah! You got on just as the bots did, I wish you got to play the game back during the gooder times XD

[@Artician]

@@ThomasFFoolery8383 I started playing in 2018 (around two months after the blue moon update released), but only started to "actively" play in late 2019, where i did encounter some bots, although to a much lesser extent than now.

[@koopa_knight]

@@ThomasFFoolery8383 I started in 2019, stopped later that year and started again in the middle of 2020 and suddenly I was not allowed to talk or write and bots were everywhere. I was just gone for 7 months.

[@scarabdust]

Same, I started in late 2020. I remember being surprised to learn that bots weren't always in the game, and that things used to be so much different. I wish I had gotten to experience the game in its prime like so many who love it had.

[@deathahoy8971]

I have only been in here for under a month and I will have to agree with you. I have no more than 60 hours, and it’s attached to me

[@beastrelmhd5312]

Community: "As long as we get updates." Valve: "Question." Community: "What's your question, Valve? :)" Valve: "I've only been adding hats." Community: "What..?" Valve: "You told me to." Community: "How long..?" Valve: "I've done nothing but add hats, for over 1600 days."

[@meesteryogi7745]

TO WHERE?! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN SENDING THEM?!

[@russiancloaker1775]

@@meesteryogi7745 *14Gb hats, taunts and unusuals noises*

[@CommissarChaotic]

hat monster update!

[@alex.g7317]

@@CommissarChaotic chest monster update! (Mc reference)

[@Jazzerizer]

@@meesteryogi7745 the update box...

[@tonyngo1885]

Played TF2 from 2013 to 2018. An unforgettable time in my gaming life and made my shitty teenage years something worth looking back on. Hopefully this game gets saved. It’s worth fighting for.

[@eXpas04]

Same here :D except I stopped at around 2015 it's still crazy to me that people still play this game as it is pretty much the same as I remember

[@royisstr]

too bad Overwatch can no longer be saved

[@widuruwana6129]

I can relate so much to this. My teenage years had nothing memorable except the identity crisis I had to endure. This game was the only thing that helped me deal with all those shit. played this from 2015 to 2019 for around 1.2k hours; every second was worth it.

[@IAm-zo1bo]

Bruh I still play it, you guys are too serious

[@peetahhgriffin]

With the overwatch logo? Nahhhh brooooooooooo surely not

[@azrik6084]

I remember when I first picked up the orange box. Initially I had no interest in tf2, but after playing through hl2 and portal I figured since I owned it anyway I'd give it a shot. To this day I have more hours in tf2 than any other game on my steam profile.

[@chrisdawson1776]

🤓

[@adam.8478]

Lol same, the only program I have more hours in than TF2 is SFM, in which I make tf2 posters

[@funnycatenjoyer2758]

@@adam.8478 i bet that most of those hours on sfm are just trying to wrangle it into doing what you actually want to do

[@adam.8478]

@@funnycatenjoyer2758 yes

[@MatthewTheUntitled]

Orange box, oh brother

[@bapre9124]

Im honestly just disappointed with valve's behaviour. This incredible game pulls in so many players and probably makes valve a ton of money, but for some reason this game has become the middle child of valve.

[@TheUnfunnyCyanMan]

It does hurt

[@stingerjohnny9951]

The fucking rabid dogs they bring into the house in the form of asset flips get more love than their own children.

[@starmaker75]

While valve isn’t as bad some companies like ea or recent blizzard, but the state of vavle is frustrating.

[@TheRealDismantler]

And as a middle child, I feel insulted.

[@drewmannMcGee]

It doesn't make as much money as dota 2 or steam. So why bother. They just don't care

[@DavaaGames]

Me, who finally got a PC in 2021: “I can finally play TF2. I wonder how popular it still is?” Bots: “Allow us to introduce ourselves.”

[@nicolaslondono4381]

Same 😓

[@nightmare_king2022]

Same bro, i used to play tf2 during 2014-2015 until my dads laptop broke down, few years later in 2020, i got a new laptop. i installed tf2, and first thing i see? Snipers with aimbots spamming stuff in chat, at first i thought it was that server and joined another, THE SAME THING. I also realized at that time that I CANT CHAT AT ALL, ultimately i decided to stay on community servers now, but the mods kinda ruin the fun. I hope valve will listen to the community

[@epicspyman3188]

Same bro, i got it a laptop 1 month ago and its sad to see how this game is going, its truly heartbreaking

[@pineapple8375]

imagine having a good pc :') but still this game deserves more love

[@SgtFunBun]

literally same here, i used to 'play' it on my old laptop back in 2013, so i can atleast get my veteran's discount from before i could really run it, lol

[@stephenweinelt1175]

Stay strong brothers. You can prevail. You give us all hope. -from your cousins in sequals to a mod from another game, the DotA 2 community

[@imperialsnowfall]

I was with you in those first months after the Love and War update. I remember when the update dropped being a fresh teenager and playing every morning before going to school. Those were the good days. I can remember when people got upset over the Fortified Compound being added and it just being a reskin, people thought the game was dying then. What a time to be alive

[@toppat_royale]

Haha! Thinking that TF2 was dying in 2014, can't blame em though.

[@donanilao7724]

Imagine starting to play this game during the Bot crisis in 2021. *cries softly* #saveTF2

[@tim_2003]

uhhhhhhhhh 😬

[@Miller_Davus]

I started playing on march 21st, 2021. At the time, southeast asia didn't have the bot crisis, and I was happy, even though I didn't know anything about the bot crisis. Now it's may 25th, 2022, and I feel disgusted.

[@Coquitten]

Yooo I started this April

[@Twicebolt]

I started January of 2021

[@daviddavidsonsghost6164]

(exactly the moment I started playing)

[@ThomasFFoolery8383]

Man, truly I remember finding out that f2ps couldn’t have communications and I was really disappointed, I remember first joining, admittedly as a child, but being able to squeak away with the voice chat, having older players teach me how to play and the personal connection I got to feel with the fellow players XD. And the continuous cosmetic updates kind of hurts, plus the sourcing from the community without caring for the community is a painful. I understand it’s a game, and an old one at that, but it sucks to see the game that I grew up on start to slide into nothingness and decrepit chaos. I kept thinking maybe I should just leave the game, but there isn’t any game like it, nothing hits the same way and truly it’s unique amongst shooter games, like a diamond amongst shards of glass. I love the game and rather than leave it, I’ll be participating in #savetf2, as small as my voice may be, I’ll see you other gamers on the other side XD

[@crazysonicdude]

IIRC the change straight up makes the game harder for f2ps, as voice commands are disabled. Voice commands like, y'know, "MEDIC!" Imagine being on the brink of death, trying to call for a medic, and getting told you can't because you haven't spent money.

[@nekofrisk1005]

It isn’t even sliding into nothingness due to neglect of updates or falling out of fashion, it’s slipping purely because some douches decided to make a bunch of fun killin codes

[@JazzKazoo0930]

I feel like I missed so much. I love tf2 now, but back in tf2s golden age I never had access to a decent computer, and my parents never would have let me play a game like that. I was only able to actually get into the game well into the bot crisis, and I just hope that this isn't the end for this glorious game. I just want to be here for one major update. All I want is to see one new weapon.

[@toppat_royale]

Same thing, I joined my first Valve official server on 10th of October, 2020, even though I was in the community since 2018, when my friend introduced me to TF2. It has been my favorite game since. I just didn't have a computer back then to actually play, all I could do is watch sfms and gameplay demos. I missed out on everything.

[@MaximusChivus]

Yeah, I joined a couple months ago after finally being able to upgrade to a PC that can run Minecraft without dropping frames and it makes me a bit sad that now half of my games are "other team hasn't kicked their bot yet and we're still almost winning" or getting stomped by some dude with a strange festivised australium with just about every part and a few hundred thousand kills wearing an unusual

[@MoterX]

I'm in the exact same situation, even down to the shitty computer and my parents not letting me play the game lmao, I get the feeling and too really wished that I was somehow able to play it back then

[@yov4042]

You lost me when you said DBD was a fantastic game that received care from it's developers. Aside from that, agree with the video 100%

[@meat.]

His point was that game is consistently updated and tf2 is not

[@yords7750]

@@meat. right, it is consistently updated, but definitely does not receive the love it should get

[@nezziatrollminer493]

Honestly, I am inclined to disagree. BHVR has had a bad rep for updates in the past, but the recent updates and balance changes have been pretty healthy. I play killer (Competitive and Pubs) and it's felt pretty good. There are still issues they need to fix, and Nurse still exists in her current state, but all in all this is one of the healthiest metas I've seen. I'd argue BHVR's willingness to experiment and try new things is a large part of the reason the game is hasn't died off. The Devs care, we as a community have just decided shitting on them is more fun than playing the game.

[@yov4042]

@@nezziatrollminer493 2 month old comment but go off

[@nezziatrollminer493]

@@yov4042 I was aiming more at the 5 day old reply, but I probably should let it rest.

[@natechucks]

TF2 before meet your match used to be the best "potato chip" video game to me. You could join a server of you favorite game mode in seconds, just like opening a bag of chips. Nothing about the game was putting a lot of pressure on only you as you were 1 of 10-12 people on the team. There is so many things like the voice lines and cosmetics in the game that keeps the game silly, relaxing, and fun. The games that copied the homework of TF2 didn't capture this laid back formula (Overwatch is more like LOL and I hate it) and to have TF2 in this state is like your favorite potato chips all went stale. #savetf2

[@MrOrgeston]

I remember joining Valve servers with a couple friends and campaigning to vote for map extensions over and over again, so we could just keep playing the same map and chat it up with the other guys hanging out on the server. Some of the most fun I've had playing video games.

[@LordVader1094]

@@MrOrgeston Remember when map voting was actually done properly?

[@MrOrgeston]

@@LordVader1094 Those were the days.

[@cykablyat1466]

there's a magic to Valve's games that still entirely run off of community servers that doesn't really exist in any other game anymore. When TF2 and the Orange Box came out it was really new, fresh and it seemed like there were a dozen of servers to pick from that had all of your favorite regulars that you knew well playing with for months sometimes into years. CS 1.6 at the time was still kicking near the end of its prime but it had some of the same magic before every game now is full of matchmaking and autoque options. Luckily for TF2 the game is 100x more replayable and interesting with the content it has compared to Overwatch. Content updates for OW isn't even just to expand and improve the game as it is just to have something new to avoid the game being figured out and gamed for every map.

[@JerryScander]

elmaxo singlehandedly keeping tf2 alive on youtube

[@elmaxoTF2]

I love you Jerry from my Overwatch game one hour ago.

[@JerryScander]

@@elmaxoTF2 love you too elmackies

[@SayMyName2001]

Singlehandedly? Wouldn't say that...

[@JerryScander]

@@SayMyName2001 shut up, nerd

[@sansthelegend7196]

@@SayMyName2001 doublefeetedly! Should‘ve said this.

[@medicore694]

0:36 took me a second to get the joke.

[@pesmates5335]

So many memories tied to this game. Please, wake up. This game could literally peak TOP 3 anytime with Valve having a team that cares about the game. #SaveTF2

[@yeahyeah4433]

Facts man they never realised the potential bar making money, they did the same with CS as well, just run it into the ground with updates that are solely for money (crates etc).

[@OneEquineShedASingleTear]

I've been a part of the TF2 community for 7 years. In no uncertain terms, I owe my life to this game and the friends it has made me who helped me through terrible times. It hurts to watch it go slowly into that good night. #savetf2

[@highflyniggaballs883]

@@licensedtoill9278 i feel you. i just recently stopped playing computer games at 15 years old and realize how much time i wasted infront of the screen… i could probably have twice as many friends now and have even more fun outside in companies

[@Pdalow]

@@highflyniggaballs883 You could say this about any hobby. Maybe you two idiots just need to learn how to mange your time better. You realize more than just basement dwellers play games right?

[@Snicktheporcupine773]

@@highflyniggaballs883 y'know.. good for you and all but like this person left a heart felt comment about how they love this game, so please be kind

[@Snicktheporcupine773]

@@licensedtoill9278 also, this person left a nice comment about how they love this game, and we don't need you shitting on their comment. Please fuck off because most people don't really want to do the things you want to do

[@108kubas]

@@highflyniggaballs883 well, when i look at my neighborhood im glad i got back to video games. If not games, i would probably start drugs and alcohol a lot earlier. Sorry for my English, but you got my point

[@bpie_ef3967]

I discovered TF2 last year, I always knew it with bots, but the game is still amazing. It would be great if valve cared about the game state. I realy wonder how it feels to actualy have a balance change in this game... Like, I never experienced it in my 200 playing hours...

[@TheFrantastic]

I started playing in 2017, and since then I've only experienced one content update and two balance updates, one of which was incorporated in the content update, so that says a lot for 5 years really...

[@blaze4lifedog]

I've been playing since 2010 here, I experienced everything apart from soldier vs demo, sniper vs spy and heavy vs scout updates and trust me when I say I miss so much having updates, trying to know what they would do to weapons, what would be nerfed, what would be buffed.. and since I'm a comp player, every major update broke the current meta and shifted to a new thing, making people discover new stuff, new strats with items.. god I miss this

[@bpie_ef3967]

@@blaze4lifedog this is so hard to even concieve for me... like, having update on TF2 would be soooo weird

[@justinbuddy56]

0:10 Oh my lord thank you for bringing back this forgotten memory. I should now go play this and The Bee Movie game for the DS

[@SpeedyFNY]

Just found out I got TF2 one day before you, january 8th 2014. I forgot I got it that long ago. I had a very similar way of getting the game too. Somehow my friend from school had discovered it, and he told me it was f2p, so I was like "sure i'll try it" and I made a steam account to get it. I remember we played on this like Minecraft community server, shit was so fun. Admittedly I left the game for a long time around 2017 when I got really into Overwatch, but this game will always hold a special place in my heart. The most recent update was nice to see, and I hope more updates start getting rolled out with bigger and better things. Its crazy to me this game doesn't get much love from Valve despite its everlasting, and unwavering community.

[@myusernameisajoke1423]

Honestly, tf2 is probably one of my most cherished games of all time, imo its timeless, if i stop playing it for a while. i always come back. It has given me so many great memories especially with me and my little sister playing casual or going on community servers. This funny, creative, and memorable game doesnt deserve this fate #SaveTF2

[@cookiecrisp5162]

I never had the experience of playing the game in its prime, but watching it still made me love it and happy in its own way. Now that I’m part of the experience it would be devastating to see our game fall. #SaveTF2

[@Spore9996]

As someone who's played TF2 since 2010, right before the Mann-Conomy update, let me tell you: it was a DREAM! Utterly gorgeous! Nowadays, though, I only ever do community servers, and a fair few weapon "balances" have relegated the poor things to the trash heap.

[@ironstraken64]

been playing tf2 since July 1 st 2011 when i first heard about the game. I can still remember my very first 2 online server plays against actual people after doing all the training first. I still come back to the game after days on end and still love it. #Savetf2

[@rouben4606]

9 years ago when I started playing this game I can still say it was definitely a highlight of those early secondary years, playing this game with my friends at lunch and after school is always a memory I will cherish.

[@ARG0T]

I've been a constant TF2 player since late 2015, before Casual mode (I still vividly remember quick play) and the Tough Break update was still active. It's been a strong 7 years of me loving every little part of this game between the intricacy of how each class plays, the SFM and Gmod videos, more of the art and just the community as a whole and I cannot tell you how much it pains me to see it so neglected. It makes me so fucking proud to see how the community: new and old are uniting for this one cause, to see the game we all love get some love and care. I really hope this works, I miss TF2. #SaveTF2

[@kaiserk9027]

Man this game means a lot to me. When I was back in 6th grade a bit of social outcast with no friends. I would spend most of my mornings waiting for school to start on the school benches, alone. It was rough having no one to talk to. One day before school started I overheard a conversation about tf2, a game I had recently picked up. I looked behind me and made eye contact with the person who mentioned tf2, we locked eyes and after a few seconds he asked me if I played. One thing led to another and I suddenly made a friend. He invited me to his friend group and the rest of my middle to high school years meant so much more because of them. I love this game and still play it to this day. I made real life and online friends who I still cherish to this day. I sincerely hope from the bottom of my heart this movement gains traction.

[@bingbing-ti2rv]

I remember being like 11 or 12 during the Love & War update and goosh do i agree with all you said, i remember when Conga was added , man it was something, everyone was friendly, everyone was doing conga trains across the entire map, nowadays casual servers are filled with Bots or Tryhards Sniper Main that'll headshot you and spawncamp you from across the entire map, nobody talks in the chat anymore, no teamwork, if you dance in the middle of the battle you're dead within seconds... aaah miss these good old times when i was just an innocent 12yo kid enjoying the old TF2 , the TF2 before all the nerfs half of the weapons recieved, the TF2 of Conga & joy , the addition of MvM , etc

[@arentrir6159]

Great video man. Been watching your videos for a while now but this one made me sub. Love the inspiration taken from other OG creators. Keep it up brotha. Love the fact we have similar origins stories, that just helped with my enjoyment of the video. Anyways well done!

[@sashavasilyev3000]

i started playing tf2 two years ago, when the first bots were beginning to appear, and it has been genuinely painful to see this game reduced to what it is now. i cannot play on community servers properly either, since i never got good enough to play with the people on these servers. these days i barely open the game anymore, since it almost always just ends in my server becoming unplayable. #SaveTF2

[@SammyK-jt3vv]

Started playing this game in 2019 after following it online for years, the biggest update I've seen in this game was the meme hype about the snakes. But I don't want that, I want to see the game flourish #savetf2 give all the players that joined after 2017 a chance to see this masterpiece at full strength

[@Zoopop13]

been playin since middle school like 2011/2013. so glad the community still exists. i dont know where id be or the kind of person id be without this game. it helped me find Jerma and LazyPurple which became huge forces in my life. where has time gone? so hlad theyre finally responding on the bot problem

[@FiguringOutFishing]

I'm back after 10 years of not playing, your videos have been closing the gap on what I missed. Thanks man

[@Skeptycx]

Some of my greatest memories I have are playing this game after school each day with my buddies. I miss those days. Let's save this game

[@purplehaze2358]

“And then there was absolute radio silence about the game’s development from Valve” Sounds uh..a little too familiar for comfort. Old habits die hard I suppose.

[@colorpoison]

"Last major update released was on 2017" JESUS that was a serious punch in the gut. It has been THAT long since jungle inferno? i remember it came out somewhere in 2018-2020, time really flies huh?

[@Piovli]

I swear that I've also thought it came out around 2019 or 2020, Christ.

[@koenderoode]

amazing video. ive seen so many of these come and go and yet you still seem to add something to the conversation. you gave me genuine goosebumps with the conga nostalgia part of the video. thank you

[@underscore__6161]

as someone who also played this game at the start of the bot crisis I was kinda disapointed at the amout of time I died to bots. but that didn't stop me from learning and loving this community

[@dream123panda9]

I started playing in 2021, And yet I still managed to learn and love this game. #SaveTF2

[@mr.culture1092]

This entire video made me smile so much it hurt to smile for the following 6 hours, it's so cool to listen to this video about tf2 in the early days and history in general. Great vid man, have an amazing week and fingers crossed for an update, man!

[@yottanuclei]

Meet your match was around the time I stopped playing. Honestly, the heart and soul of team fortress 2 comes from public servers, and it's something it shares with a few other games like counter strike, other valve fps etc that just fosters tiny communities over and over again, and its something that can never happen with ranked ladders or matchmaking, which is something that new game developers have a hard-on for apparently.

[@spameron7575]

It's nice to hear this all from yet another content creator, one who, as i've realised, has only been playing this game a year longer than me. I must have heard this story more than 10 times now, as well as seeing it happen myself, but I still feel the struggles and rollercoaster of hope the community has kept pushing itself on every time it's retold. I think i'm at a similar stage with what I want from the game : It could get no more new content, but so long as the gameplay stays interrupted, this game can keep going for a long time, and the community will carry everybody through, as it has this whole time.

[@SirLuigi]

I remember joining late in TF2's lifetime. Jungle Inferno was the taste of my first major update. It was so exciting to me. Now seeing how the game is going at the moment makes me sad. The game is amazing and still has some potential left for updates but Valve just has their airpods in at this point.

[@thetealturtwig5667]

Honestly I've never really seen the Bot Crisis in such a optimistic light, but looking at it as something for a community to band together on. I guess light can only shine brightest when it's in darkness. Thanks for this more hopeful outlook.

[@DaBumo]

1:42 The Tf2 community's dedication is undoubtedly strong, but not undying. It is more.. slowly fading than anything. Hell, we get excited for a case that contains cosmetics and fixing an exploit makes some people think that Valve is going to get back into updating the game and that the heavy update may be coming.

[@llammp]

I like that you went with the more positive side of things with this video, we need more videos like this one!!

[@DarkcoffeeGodot]

I feel old when he says "But enough about these days, I want to talk to you about my own experience" even though what he just talked about is what I remember most fondly :')

[@Toomass]

as someone in your almost exact situation in tf2 this video was a great insight into the community and brings me comfort knowing that other people like me are out there. #SaveTF2

[@bappo8299]

i love the american football that played here 0:57 i love their music.

[@jerskrued3697]

I remember joining this game in early 2015 and becoming instantly hooked by it's simple yet addicting gameplay. I was a part of everything TF2 had too offer at some point, trading, community gamemodes, competitive and of course binge watching TF2 youtubers as if it were some sort of drug. Seeing how it has degraded into this mess we see today really makes me sad, but also I start to appreciate the community more and more as time goes on for the amount of effort an passion they have put into this game for us to enjoy and I wish so deerly that Valve sees this passion. #savetf2

[@Pirateer5]

Great stuff mate 👍 These past few weeks, and the next few weeks, will be the most important to TF2's future since the issue is getting actual mainstream attention in IGN and with large non-TF2 KZbinrs. TF2 doesn't really need a huge content update, just a true anti-bot update along with some weapon tweaks, and maybe a few new items for Heavy and other classes. There's also the possibility that Valve turns the game over to the community in some way (and endorsing TF2 mods and projects), so one of the best ways to show Valve that the TF2 community cares is to keep making amazing videos like this and participating in community events, building TF2 community ecosystems, etc

[@popnam9344]

Elmaxo I love your videos and have been watching for a while and downloaded tf2 like 4 days ago and I love it I have 40 hours on it and want more thank you so much for introducing me to this gem of a game.

[@metallsonic5119]

Man from the bottom of my heart! your words are gold worth. Our favorite game is around for over one decade now and its still growing, it doesnt have too be on the top of the most played games, its our game, whe love it in our way by playing it too make you tube videos, contant with SFM our Gmod, Fanart what so ever and maybe in the future, maybe if whe really push enough, valve does something. Maybe when it sees after a long time in the background, that it still holds up, being almost independent. As you said it, whe hold it alive and whe, make it what it is, its an game of its own, so lets show how much whe love it and how much whe want it alive and Safed from bots

[@aster6741]

I started around the time Gun Mettle was released, and since then have seen TF2 have its various ups and downs. I can agree without question that Meet Your Match was where TF2 started to take its dive, and after Jungle Inferno was when the community really started carrying the game. Most of my wild and fun experiences with TF2 have been tailored by the community; I've been part of a handful of wacky gamemode communities, custom MvM groups (I remember events like Titanium Tank and Canteen Crashers like it was yesterday), and of course the fun and enjoyable experiences normal casual servers used to provide before the bot crisis. Even now, community servers have become something reminiscent of a sanctuary for most US players while casual gets plagued with bots. I can't think of many games with as dedicated or as hands-on with content as the TF2 community, and for a game that's around 15 years old now, that's saying something incredible. I have every hope that the game will continue on regardless of how far it's fallen from its glory days, because the people who play it are clearly not ready to give up on it, even if Valve has thrown it on the backburner until further notice

[@skullempty5851]

i love your videos elmaxo it might not sound like much but i cant watch your videos without also getting something to eat to fully enhance my viewing experience

[@dazarapjpp1740]

a year later valve has blessed us with a (not) major update with new maps new gamemodes new cosmetics new unusuals and taunts

[@Ahkmedren]

:) On the fact that the player-base keeps growing: I think folks like me who had just graduated High School when it launched were, like you say in the video, just enamored with it! It had so much charisma and charm. I find myself wandering back in now and again, remembering that the best times I've had in online gaming happened either in FFXI or TF2. I'll never forget the 52 Teleporter usages I got in one life as an engie. And videos filled with so much passion and love for this game is what kinda draws me back. I'm installing again as I type. TF2 was always just this fun, chaotic, broken place that just scratches such a particular itch! I just learned of your channel and am putting on videos in the background. Good stuff friend :)

[@burningsoldierfromtf2151]

I have played this game for 1 year but still before that I watched a lot of TF2. There is just so much to love about this game and I'm not letting go to waste. #SaveTF2

[@helie2023]

This video made my day bright a little more even with all the physical pain I'm going through, and I can only say... Thank you very much, thank you for sharing your opinion and continuing to make such wonderful videos. ❤ Take care lads, have a nice day/night. #SaveTF2

[@DxQ2]

13:20 payday getting love and care is a well… generous word to say.

[@da_homunculus]

Appreciate your videos, elmaxo. I was an avid TF2 player from back in 09 up until a few months post-MvM, so I was around during the golden era of War!, Sniper vs. Spy, and all those classic updates. the 230 hours I have on Steam don't even approach my total time in the game between the console versions and the accounts of friends I played on before I was finally able to buy it at 14. All that is to say that I haven't played TF2 regularly in a LONG time. But after seeing the #SaveTF2 hashtag I decided to pop back in the other week and since then I've found myself popping into a casual server more days than not. It can be rough to get a game that isn't dominated by bots or people that never stopped grinding after I stepped away from the game, but when I get into a solid server I still feel that same exact magic I felt 10+ years ago. tl;dr thank you for convincing a veteran like myself to get back into this game that I loved so much in my teen years. My current Steam handle is UNINSURED MOTORIST, any eastern US peeps feel free to say hi if you see me in a server.

[@TheNachbarino]

This game has given me so many great memories and friendships. It has been with me through good and bad times. And the whole universe and gameplay is crafted just so brilliantly. It deserves so much better than this. #SaveTf2

[@thedinkster5772]

I started playing this game back in 2020, so I’m pretty late to the party. My friends got me into the game, and despite being late I’ve fallen in love with this game. It’s hard to explain but there’s no other game quite like it in my opinion, so it’s a shame to see it overridden by cheaters and hate speech and left in most cases an unplayable state for me. I’m happy to see that the community has not given up though, unlike valve themselves it seems. It’s nice to see videos like this, and ones by other creators finally doing something really big to solve the issue. I appreciate this video existing, and hope that the community can save TF2

[@siofrain]

I'm so happy to see a content creator who has a similar starting point as I did for TF2, just good ol' 2014 and hopping onto a ... wild trading server as a first impression - being the hooking point that got me into it.

[@gpolenik]

Man I remember playing this right after it got released. The amount of new things added was amazing. I remember I particular year I got like 5 different new items for the spy who I played. Then it just stopped... only cosmetics after

[@toppat_royale]

I joined relatively recently, in 2018 I was in community, and in 2020 I joined my first Casual match. I gotta ask a question, was there any major difference between 2007-2017 tf2 and 2020-2023 tf2? Can I get the same feelings when playing on 2fort in 2023, that players in 2015 did during Gun Mettle? I would be glad to know veteran's opinion. Thanks in advance!

[@alexjr010]

TF2 has been a part of my life for the past 8 years. This game has been home to many unforgettable moments over the years. I still have faith. #savetf2

[@ColonelEnsaimada]

Man, I just only had 200+ hours on this game and installed it a month ago. I wish I was part of this lovely community a bit more early.

[@zoidsfan12]

I think it's really cool just how the difference of when someone joins a game coloring their perspective. I first played tf2 on Xbox in 2010, when I got a computer that could run it I started playing TF2 on PC in 2012. My first big update was the pyroland update, as someone that was a pyro main it was really amazing to finally get a meet the class animation for pyro. For years afterwards I would use the provision goggles at all times. Around the time that you started playing I had moved on to CSGO so I missed out on that update and the expiration date cinematic. I didn't come back to the game until around the time the kazatsky kick was added, happened to be playing with an old xbox buddy that only had tf2 on PC, bought that shit immediately and have many screenshots at that time of getting whole servers to dance lol. Just amazing to me how much your relationship to a game is molded by the window of time you played it, like stars aligning.

[@itz_chaotic9731]

Youre so right im out of word and the fact you cramed all this inyo 17 min.... Thank you

[@wen1985]

"We are sad about the tf2 situation, unfortunately, we dont care, sucks to be you!" #savetf2

[@CrabulousYT]

Ive been in this game since early 2021. And I, even with the problems, still call this my favorite game.

[@maverickmuff1601]

As someone who played on release and still plays today…. That was a phenomenal time and it still is. Just had to be there!

[@toppat_royale]

I joined relatively recently, in 2018 I was in community, and in 2020 I joined my first Casual match. I gotta ask a question, was there any major difference between 2007-2017 tf2 and 2020-2023 tf2? Can I get the same feelings when playing on 2fort in 2023, that players in 2015 did during Gun Mettle? I would be glad to know veteran's opinion. Thanks in advance!

[@etherankai7577]

love the vid dude TF2 has never been on my radar sense your videos startewd to pop on my feed and im honestly interested to try and get into it because of your videos

[@Shadrio]

I know for a fact that any game company would sell the souls of their entire family just to able to get a game that even 15 years later still has a very active player base and community, yet Valve-a billion dollar-still manages to Valve it up and squander the love for the game. #SaveTF2

[@miss-sagemoon]

TF2 was the game that got me into mapping, and honestly made me fall in love with the source engine. It's cartoon art-style works perfectly with source's limits.

[@SpartanOne22]

This video made me cry. I actually shed a tear at your optimism.

[@lordjellyfish4745]

Hey, new viewer here :) You came up in my reccomended and I watched the video now. You have a nice and alive voice, well timed pacing and clean editing. I watched the entire video fully concentrated from the begging to end and I'm glad to say that this won't be the last one I will watch from you. Very nice video, keep it up

[@Appletank8]

I'm constantly curious whether: 1) During Heavy vs Pyro, did they make two sets of weapons from the start, or only start drawing up ideas when it was clear who was winning 2) If most of the comics writing was made by another guy, why can't Valve just use a bit of their money fountain to just let him finish the dang thing?

[@themilkman2422]

because gabe has to hand deliver steam decks

[@elzabethtatcher9570]

Regarding the stats on 12:39, I'm really worried that the majority of this playercount could be bots. I've recently encountered more and more familiar players on the european casual servers i'm playing, something I have not experienced couple years ago. I have no clue how the situation on other server clusters is being, but I feel that TF2 playerbase is shrinking. It would be really nice if we could somehow count the players without the bot accounts.

[@Smathalgoth]

The method from the Seriamon video referenced in that section (The 'TF2 has 63k bots' one) is pretty damning, suggesting that there are 3 times as many bots as real players in TF2 currently. One look at the graph over time compared to any other top game really does say everything. I find it really annoying that people just brush this off and remain in denial about the matter.

[@SuperMooshrooms]

8:22 I haven't played TF2 since 2017 but I still remember all these Channels. Watching your videos is making me nostalgic for the game.

[@rianstanford7286]

It makes me happy to see someone younger than me who got into the game later still finding the same love for the game that I have, I used to think that only those of us who found the game in 2007 would have been hardcore fans but the community has shown me otherwise :)

[@danecaton2299]

As someone who at started playing in 2014 at age 11 it was an absolute blast to see that old love and war era footage. I remember having to sell my dad on letting me buy my first four keys. Let’s hope that Valve will hear us tomorrow, and finally communicate with us.

[@crusader-j4126]

I personally have been apart of TF2 since 2015. Its sad to see how its being treated and neglected. I love this game and this isnt how I want to see TF2 go. TF2 was one of the first games on my account. and will forever stay ❤❤ Lets hope VALVE listen 🙏 #SaveTF2

[@kravers7919]

I started watching your videos and made me want to play TF2 i know I am pretty late but you are the reason why i enter the TF2 community

[@edim108]

The main issue is how Valve works as a company. Valve devs have a LOT more autonomy than in basically any other studio. They aren't assigned to rigid dev teams, but work on projects they themselves want to and can contribute to instead of being assigned to them by bosses. On one hand it's great bc the devs work on project they themselves want to, which results in much better end product- Half Life Alyx is a PHENOMENAL game thanks to that. But on the other there is no set amount of people to work on TF2. Current dev team is small, and number of actual programmers in it can be counted on fingers... They're very passionate people who want to make this game as good as it can be, but the bottom line is that a handful of people can't manage a game this large and old. TF2's code is such a spaghetti mess that it'd be easier to just write the game from scratch, but that's something 4 programmers just aren't capable of.

[@squidkiller1116]

I started playing almost 9 years ago. It was really fun but it's really sad how valve has just given up on one of their most popular games to this day since it came out

[@pootisbird6432]

Pootis 👍

[@solidanimations5441]

Pootis 👍

[@joshkevin7927]

Pootis 👍

[@Ridgeneer]

Pootis 👍

[@Cherry-zv6vn]

Pootis 👍

[@johnny6611]

Pootis 👍

[@ZitrusCS]

very quality as always, nice job man.

[@SepiaSepiaKR]

I have fond memories of playing the final beta on my cousin's PC back in '07, and later ordering the Orange Box. I remember the first big content updates, with the first pyro weapons and a couple new maps IIRC. Those were the days, and every time I log into this game it takes me back to a time when I was truly happy and carefree.

[@URnightmares162]

a game that never fails to make you smile #savetf2

[@m136dalie]

Maybe this is a dumb idea, but can't valve just implement a captcha on all public servers? Seems like a pretty easy and straightforward way to fix the issue.

[@igorigor5342]

Captcha doesn't work anymore

[@m136dalie]

@@igorigor5342 I doubt someone who has the technology to have bots sneak through captcha would be using that kind of tech to ruin a video game

[@doctorrogue1923]

@@m136dalie Yeah im gonna honestly agree with Igor, it doesnt take much tech to have a bot skip Captcha.

[@DannyCheezits]

they could just pay captcha farms

[@chrisbingley]

Quake received an update last year. They gave us modern resolutions, both expansion packs, a new expansion pack and multiplayer servers. All literally free if you already had the game on Steam, and included with future purchases. When Bethesda (who own Id Software these days) is shwoing the community more love than you are, you're in trouble.

[@LifeRunner4000]

Man, I'd pretty much forgotten what TF2 was like back in its "hayday", began playing in 2009/2010 and I've been hooked ever since. Mentioning the MvM update took me back to the weeks/months leading up to the release and how valve hyped it up, I remember being so stoked about the new gamemode and binging on it when it released. Let me take you back for a minute, I'm sure they're are others that can relate: You've just got home from school, sun's shining, you have a little bit of food and sit down by your computer, logging on Steam to continue the conversation with your buddies as you hop onto TF2 for some rounds of payload before your parents come home. After a few rounds your parents come home, you say "BRB" to your friends as the MSN notification sound plays, it's your crush messaging you. Life is good. Good times, a more carefree time, if you will. The good old days.

[@yakobsoulstorm5187]

Valve just needs to balance and bug fix. Even if there’s no additional content, fixing long-standing issues with balance and stuff like bots would breath new life into the game. Maybe not a resurgence, but certainly some older players would be convinced to return. #SaveTF2

[@user-sashanell]

Oh, Elmaxo, it is sooo relatable. I started to play TF2 when i was a kid back in 2013 and GOD i was so impressed, TF2 community really got me. All these funny content, cartoonish style of the game, and actual fun i had while just playing TF2 made me trough some harsh times in my life. I loved TF2 comics and always waited for a new part. I left the game in 2016th, was back again around 2019, left again and now I came back one more time. Why? TF2 community is the actual reason. People only found more ways to express themselves, lots of content was produced through the years, and it is FUN and it never stops to be FUN. I'm happy to be part of it, happy to have some fine mathces with people who just like this game. TF2 connects people. Thank you!

[@friendlyengie3037]

the funny thing is that i came in contact with TF2 around 2014 and i never knew about what it was, i was just at my friends house and he was playing it, i enjoyed watching it. Around 2017 i was obsessively watching videos about it but still haven't played it. And around 2020 just after the halloween i installed it and finally understood what it was all about, i still sometimes play it and would probably do it more often if not for the bots and being a f2p. have a good day (or night) everyone

[@ollielynas5805]

thank you, its creators like you who keep the game alive