Steam, its games and our players.

[bearhawk72]

So no more idling in text mode to get items in TF2.

Announced on their blog last night, the new system pauses item drops for anyone not playing the game. Valve describe active as someone who:

• Is connected to a VAC secured server.
• Is responding to in-game drop notifications while not utilizing external programs to do so.
• Is running only one instance of the game.
• Is not in textmode.

As long as you meet these requirements, you’ll still be earning items – subject to the regular cap rates. Valve say that idlers aren’t in danger of VAC bans, having items removed or being penalised in any other way – just that their drops will be suspended until they resume active play.