# Team Fortress 2: Enthusiasts Persist in Their Quest for Progress Despite Valve’s Temporary Solution to the Bot Dilemma
**Team Fortress 2** (TF2), an adored team-oriented shooter that debuted in 2007, has been a fixture in the gaming landscape for more than 17 years. In spite of its age, the game routinely features among the most-played on Steam, retaining a loyal player community. Nonetheless, recent times have been tough for TF2 supporters, as the game has faced a significant bot issue that has nearly compromised its online gameplay. Although Valve has initiated measures to tackle this concern, including a temporary solution that has alleviated the problem, the community still expresses worries about the game’s future viability.
In an impressive act of commitment, fans have even presented a **bound book containing 340,000 signatures** from a petition to Valve’s headquarters in Bellevue, Washington, urging continued support and maintenance of the game. This poignant gesture highlights the community’s resolve to keep TF2 playable and enjoyable for the foreseeable future.
## A Milestone and a Plea
Not long ago, TF2 found itself in a precarious situation. The game’s servers were inundated with bots that exploited hacks to sabotage matches, often utilizing aimbots, flooding the chat with inappropriate messages, and even adopting racist usernames. The issue escalated to the point where many players struggled to enjoy a single match without facing these intrusive bots. The crisis peaked when the game’s Steam reviews plunged into “mostly negative” territory for the first time ever.
To combat the rising discontent, the TF2 community initiated the **”Save TF2″** petition, which quickly gained traction. The petition urged Valve to act promptly to rectify the bot problem and reclaim the game’s integrity. It amassed over 340,000 signatures, demonstrating the fervent support from fans who still cherish the game despite its issues.
In the summer of 2024, Valve replied with a substantial update, banning thousands of bot accounts and enforcing new measures to combat rampant cheating. For the first time in months, players were able to enjoy consecutive matches without being troubled by bots. This update was a much-needed respite, and the community collectively exhaled in relief.
However, this wasn’t Valve’s inaugural attempt to tackle the bot issue. In the past, similar interventions had been made only for the issue to resurface subsequently. Fans are now resolute in their determination to ensure Valve remains alert and committed to maintaining the game’s robustness. To highlight this commitment, the petition’s organizers chose an extraordinary course of action.
## An Exceptional Gesture: 340,000 Signatures Compiled in a Book
To commemorate the success of the petition and reinforce their message to Valve, the organizers compiled **all 340,000 signatures** from the “Save TF2” petition into a bound book. This tangible embodiment of the community’s commitment was personally delivered to Valve’s headquarters in Washington. The book symbolizes both a milestone in the community’s successful outreach to Valve and a plea for ongoing support for TF2.
The book’s delivery was captured in a video shared across social media, garnering substantial attention. The clip, posted by user @Thewhat89 on X (formerly Twitter), showed the impressive volume being set at Valve’s headquarters. The caption stated:
> “340,000+ names all compiled into 1 book. This signifies the incredible number of people who love TF2 and wish to see it thrive. This book has now arrived at Valve HQ. The future is looking bright for TF2. Thanks to everyone who participated.”
The gesture was met with broad acclaim from the TF2 community, with various players expressing optimism that Valve would sincerely consider the message and continue to prioritize the game’s upkeep.
## A Split Community
Although the petition book’s delivery represented a hopeful moment for many, the TF2 community remains split on whether Valve will implement meaningful, long-lasting actions. In the comments section of the video, some users voiced hope, believing that the book would be valued by Valve’s developers and serve as a reminder of the game’s persistent fanbase.
One user remarked:
> “The book will most likely be appreciated by the people at Valve.”
Yet, not all shared this outlook. Some players were more doubtful, worried that Valve might overlook the message altogether. One user cynically suggested that the pages of the book could ultimately serve as “toilet paper,” while another jokingly noted:
> “I hope my name touches Gabe’s butt.”
This playful exchange reflects the varied sentiments within the community. While many players are hopeful that Valve will sustain its support for TF2, others remain cautious, given the company’s inconsistent updates and communication regarding the game.
## Valve’s Legacy and the Future of TF2
Valve