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For 2.2’s levels, we placed a design constraint on ourselves to avoid the ever-common desert theming. We did this to try to introduce even more visual variety to our map pool. Instead of creating entirely new themes, though, we looked to expand upon other existing settings. This was important, since we try to give every map a unique visual feel, but can’t create brand new themes for every level.

Being considered 2.2’s flagship map, 2Bridge saw a large collaboration between developers to bring a unique flavor to the urban environment theme. Since this was our second-ever level to feature the theme, we had plenty of new room to explore. In contrast to Harbor’s downtown, East Coast influence, 2Bridge’s cityscape was inspired by the outskirts of cities in the upper Midwest. This also allowed us to more seamlessly integrate natural elements, like trees and hills, into the urban fabric, further setting it apart. This combination of natural elements and industrial back alleys is one of the map’s unique, defining features. We also tried to place an emphasis on neon signs and a sharp contrast between light and dark throughout the level.


Our art is never separate from gameplay, though. We put a good bit of thought into helping players navigate the level through its visual design. To make each part of the level distinct, the map was roughly divided into three separate sections on each side: the disused park, the city alleyways, and the industrial grounds. This also creates a narrative progression, as teams push from the less developed park area up to the front door of their enemy’s operation. Throughout all of this, the map features a few notable landmarks. For example, each team’s buildings were designed so that their main factory was easily visible from the park area. Along with that, both exits from the park are lined up with an illuminated sign behind them to highlight each option.

One of the specific challenges with urban settings is their inherent higher level of detail and contrast, something we want to relegate to gameplay-important areas. To help combat this, the map sticks to a tight color palette - using only about three or four main colors on each side. The out-of-bounds also quickly falls off into darkness, leaving most of it to silhouettes and keeping the eye in the play space. Placing the map at night also helped combat another challenge with the urban theme - believability. It wouldn’t make much sense for this secretive war to be fought in busy, public city streets. Placing 2Bridge both at night and in a derelict industrial district helped to sell the game’s larger narrative.

To complement this new take on the urban theme, 2Bridge also brings an entirely new industry to the game, auto manufacturing. We were largely able to represent this with existing assets, something that’s always a plus, but the bespoke factory signs help to fully sell the location. To wrap all of this up, we featured new ambient sounds to realize the feeling of a breezy night in a lonely corner of the city.

We also think it’s important to mention that a couple of the decisions mentioned in this post were initially less intentional, but a key part of design is recognizing what works and sometimes knowing what not to change. We’re happy with how all of this came together and look forward to continuing to introduce even more themes and subthemes within our future levels.

TF2 Classic is coming to Steam in 2025!​

"Steam" is a mysterious resource created when coal is burned in certain situations — a harrowing thought to coal-lovers like the Civilian, to whom burning coal is like setting one's own children on fire. But maybe a foray into the Steam industry is just what the company needs to capture new eyes.

While porting efforts are underway, click here to wishlist!

Today is Saint Valentine's Day. And—believe us, we know. Things have been moving steadily over the past decade. It's hard for us to believe it's been that long, ourselves. We've put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into our relationship with you, the fans, and ensuring that things are healthy between us. But the best way to rejuvenate from a bad fever has always been with a new update and a fancy short to pair it with. Not that there's anything that a sandwich and some healing-plasma couldn't fix, however we'd be remiss not to mention our enamorment with the response we've gotten to our new update. But Cupid, who's surprisingly Australian, has instead been doubling down on ammunition. Yes, while his relevantly heart-shaped arrows are deadly, they're also arrows sent to their victims with love. And with all the love that's in the air, it'd be hard for us not to come clean with our own feelings.

There's been many ways that we've been able to share our love for our fans, and the dedication to our craft through our work; including the posts we've made here. Naturally, now that everyone can flame where they aim, we want to keep providing that kind of content to you in ways that help add to our collective insight. As developers, there's many things we've learned through our mistakes and our successes over our years making this grand modification. But the best way for us to maintain that? Is through our upcoming developer blog posts, little letters of love we'll be delivering to you all with more frequency going forward. Like a volley of heart-shaped arrowheads, that's the future we're delivering to all of you through this blog. And now our hope is that you'll learn just as much as we have through the years to come.

We love that you love our game. And we love that you loved this new update. And the short? We love that you love that too. There's plenty of love to go around this season, and "Cupid" won't be running out of those lovingly hazardous arrows any time soon. So this Valentine's Day, let's all enjoy ourselves with a few close matches of our favorite levels with a bit of domination and revenge along the way. After all, there's only so much time left to enjoy the love the day gives, when Lupercalia comes in the 'morrow. Like an eager pyromaniac slowly sharpening their scythe, that day is where more warmhearted violence may come.