Proposal: Make Half-Life 2: Deathmatch Free-to-Play to Revitalize One of the Best Arena Shooters of All Time

[da11as911]

Dear Valve,

As members of the Half-Life 2: Deathmatch community, we are writing to express our passion for the game and make a humble request: to make Half-Life 2: Deathmatch free-to-play. The game is on the verge of falling below 100 average concurrent players per month, yet it still has so much potential and untapped value. Here are the reasons why transitioning this classic arena shooter to a free-to-play model could reignite interest, revitalize the player base, and allow new audiences to discover one of the best multiplayer experiences ever created.

1. Preserving a Masterpiece of Arena Shooters

Released in 2004, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch was a defining entry into the world of competitive multiplayer arena shooters. Its fast-paced gameplay, highly skill-based mechanics, and unique gravity gun feature set it apart from the other shooters of its time. It has remained a shining example of arena combat, where speed, reflexes, and map control create a dynamic and exhilarating experience. With the genre having few modern representatives, HL2DM stands tall as an enduring classic that should be preserved, cherished, and made accessible to new players.

Yet, over the years, the player count has steadily declined. Today, the game averages fewer than 100 players online at any given moment, which means many new and returning players are left without enough competition or community to fully enjoy the game. As the player base dwindles, so too does the rich multiplayer experience that makes HL2DM stand out.

By making the game free-to-play, we believe that more players—both nostalgic veterans and fresh newcomers—will be able to rediscover and appreciate this hidden gem.

2. Community Support Is Still Strong

Despite the lack of formal updates or support from Valve in recent years, the community has remained passionate and dedicated to keeping the game alive. Custom maps, mods, and third-party events are regularly hosted by community members who refuse to let HL2DM fade into obscurity. In particular, community-driven tournaments, leagues, and events continue to offer an engaging competitive scene for dedicated players.

The persistence of community content speaks to the game's longevity and lasting appeal. Making Half-Life 2: Deathmatch free-to-play would empower these community efforts, increase the player base, and breathe new life into this multiplayer classic.

3. A Gateway to the Half-Life Franchise

Half-Life is one of the most beloved and acclaimed series in gaming history. However, for new players, the series' multiplayer spin-off, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch, is often overlooked. As a standalone purchase, it represents a barrier for those unfamiliar with the franchise or those who are hesitant to invest in a game they haven't experienced before.

Transitioning HL2DM to free-to-play would act as a perfect gateway for new players to discover the Half-Life universe. Many who get a taste of the series' fast-paced multiplayer could be encouraged to explore Half-Life 2's story campaign and even delve into other titles within the collection.

This strategy has worked well with other classic games that transitioned to a free-to-play model. Players who are first introduced to a franchise via multiplayer often go on to explore the broader universe, which could translate into increased interest in other Half-Life titles, mods, and fan projects.

4. A Low-Cost Way to Expand Player Engagement

As the game is rapidly approaching a critically low number of players, making Half-Life 2: Deathmatch free-to-play is a low-cost and high-reward solution to this issue. Valve has already successfully transitioned several of its other multiplayer games, such as Team Fortress 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, to a free-to-play model with tremendous success. These games saw dramatic increases in player engagement and community content creation after making the switch.

A free-to-play model could be paired with a modest cosmetic system, which would allow both new and veteran players to financially support the game without hindering the classic gameplay. It could also help sustain future community-driven updates or events.

Given that HL2DM already has no microtransactions or major in-game purchases, the game is perfectly suited for a free-to-play structure. There would be no need for pay-to-win mechanics, ensuring that the game stays true to its original competitive roots while attracting new players.

5. Future Opportunities for Growth

Valve has a strong reputation for supporting its community-driven games long after their initial launch. By making Half-Life 2: Deathmatch free-to-play, you open the door to future content creation, both from the community and potentially from Valve itself. With a revitalized player base, the game's modding scene could thrive even further, with new maps, modes, and competitive events. The return of a larger player base could also lead to collaboration opportunities with content creators who specialize in Half-Life and Source Engine projects.

A larger and more engaged community would ultimately translate into increased visibility for Valve's Source Engine as a platform for both modders and developers. With the success of Half-Life: Alyx and the resurgence of Half-Life in popular culture, now is the perfect time to leverage the renewed interest in the series by revitalizing HL2DM.

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In Conclusion

Half-Life 2: Deathmatch is a timeless arena shooter that deserves to be played by more people. The game is a part of a rich gaming legacy that many players would love to experience, but it needs to be made accessible in order to survive. By making the game free-to-play, Valve could preserve its competitive spirit, expand the Half-Life fanbase, and give a new generation of players the opportunity to enjoy one of the best multiplayer experiences ever crafted.

We, the community, urge you to consider this proposal, and we look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
The Half-Life 2: Deathmatch Community

[ArtKitCat]

No offense but this GitHub page is for reporting bugs, not writing proposals for what Valve as a company should do lol

[JoriKos]

No offense but this GitHub page is for reporting bugs, not writing proposals for what Valve as a company should do lol

The github isn't exclusively for bugs, there have been quite some TF2-related requests that aren't actually bug reports or feature requests, but also just unrelated requests like #6253, content requests like #4284, resuming a promo #6146, or updating the Steam Store images #4143.

I think this is a fair request to make, especially if we allow other requests like updating the promo material.