While the release of traditional films onto Steam has been a slow and inconsistent trickle since the functionality was introduced with Valve's own Free To Play Dota 2 documentary back in 2014, things should start speeding up considerably thanks to a new partnership announced today via a press release. The partnership is between Valve and Lionsgate, the Canadian-American entertainment giant, which will see "over 100" feature films made available on Steam over an undisclosed period of time.

The press release references The Hunger Games, Twilight, Saw, and the Divergent franchises as a few examples of the blockbuster series which should soon hit the platform. As you would expect, more titles will also be added in the future as their long term partnership continues, with more entertainment content producers likely to join forces with Steam in time should these initial steps prove fruitful. The current and expanding line-up of Lionsgate can be found over on a new dedicated sale page!

The first update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in a month has introduced a small number of minor changes, the largest of which hints at a continuing trend. Following the release of an overhauled Nuke back in February, the map has been added to the Active Duty map group, allowing it to be played both in competitive matchmaking and professional tournaments, starting at ESL One Cologne 2016 in July. It replaces classic map Inferno, which has instead been moved to the Reserves map group.

While this may not seem particularly important at face value, the last two classic maps to be relegated to the Reserve pool were later re-released by Valve with all new visuals, overhauled layouts, and a subsequent resurgence in the competitive scene. This include Train in December 2014 and Nuke in February 2016, both of which featured as older maps dating back to CS 1.6 or earlier, with designs and outdated visuals barely distinguishable from CS:S. This profile also fits Inferno, which is one of the oldest maps currently in circulation, and one of the "worst" looking in regards to visual fidelity and polish. While it is easy to get excited, or disappointed, for an Inferno remake, but it'll likely be a long time before we see Inferno return (likely in the 10-12 month range, based on previous examples).


Other changes introduced with tonight's CS:GO update include a new main menu UI option to sign up for upcoming beta programs and minor tweaks to Tulip and Mirage, so head on over to the changelog to check out the update for yourself.

In an overdue Round-Up episode, we're taking a look at the recent announcement of "The Mayann Project" community update for Team Fortress 2, the launch of the HTC Vive and The Lab, and the first details for The International 2016 Dota 2 tournament! We're also recapping some of own content, some of which may or may not be real...

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While not an official update just yet, Facepunch user JPRAS (creator of a massive number of cosmetic items and content) has today announced "The Mayann Project", the latest in a Mann-related series of puns and the most recent community update for Team Fortress 2. Unlike previous community updates, which have remained relatively secret to a private group of individuals prior to being presented to Valve, the Mayann Project is unique in that it is currently a work-in-progress looking for community support. As you probably figured from the project's name, this update is looking to be themed around "the Jungle/Mayan theme".
The update, upon its release, will also feature a six minute Source Filmmaker short following all nine mercenaries as they hunt for ancient lost treasure. Check out the cool, yet highly ambiguous teaser trailer below.

Those of you looking to participate in the Mayann Project should head on over to the community announcement page and the Facepunch thread, both of which feature information you will probably find helpful. The update won't be confirmed as an "official" update by Valve until the TF2 development team has given their greenlight to the final selection of items, maps, and other assets, which likely won't happen for several more months. However, it is exciting to see if this new, less-exclusive update format will improve the somewhat lacking community schedule in anyway!

With the release of the Vive virtual reality headset in a matter of days, a pair of surprise press releases this morning have revealed the shocking news that Valve has been sold to HTC for $4.2B following three years of negotiations. With Doug Lombardi and Joe Ludwig replacing a now-retired Gabe Newell, join us as we investigate the uncertain future of Valve, their employees, and their games in an all-new episode of ValveTime Spotlight!


With the future still to be written, stay tuned by subscribing to our YouTube channel and following us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news if and when it happens! Thanks for watching!