This is something rather odd. While the recent TF2 patch fixed some trivial bugs, the more important change was the addition of several voice files for the announcer. The keyword here is ‘friendship’, as it’s pretty much mentioned or referred to in every new file. This hints to a new game mode, but how it will play out is anyone’s guess.

Update: Apparently it’s not a new game mode at all.

“We’ve got something coming, but it’s not a new game mode,” Valve’s Robin Walker says. “The key to understanding the new sound files is to figure out who’s hearing them in-game, and who isn’t.”

And the third news item of the day is Valve cracking down on players who have used third party tools to unlock achievements.

The administrator is not pleased.