Difference between revisions of "Steam Users' Forums"

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{{update|The '''Steam Users' Forums''' do not exist anymore. They were replaced by [https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/ Steam Discussions].}}
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{{website infobox
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{{Website infobox
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|image = Steam users forums.png
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| image = Steam users forums.png
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|url = http://forums.steampowered.com}}
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| url = http://forums.steampowered.com ([https://web.archive.org/web/20170601223907/http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/ June 1, 2017 archived URL])<!-- This was the historic URL, leave it in place. It redirects to http://steamcommunity.com/discussions -->
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'''Steam Users' Forums''' (also referred to as the '''Steam Powered User Forums''' or '''SPUF''') is the official [[Steam|Steam Community]] message board hosted by [[Valve]] that holds the [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=80 official forum] for ''[[Team Fortress 2]]''.
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}}
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The '''Steam Users' Forums''', also known as '''Steam Powered User Forums''' or '''SPUF''', were  the official [[Valve]]-hosted message boards for the [[Steam|Steam Community]]. The Steam Users' Forums was one of the largest [[w:VBulletin|vBulletin]] forums in existence, containing a discussion board for nearly every game on Steam,<ref>[https://www.archiveteam.org/index.php?title=Steam#Steam_Users.27_Forums Steam#Steam Users' Forums], archiveteam.org, accessed April 1, 2019.</ref> including ''[[Team Fortress 2]]''.
  
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Logging into the forum requires users to register a new account or log in using an already existing account. Steam accounts are not tied to the forum account in any way.
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The number of ''Team Fortress 2'' players that frequented and used the Steam Users' Forums accounts formed approximately 3% of the entire player base.<ref>[[Media:Robin Walker Interview.mp3|Audio interview with Robin Walker]].</ref>
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== Replacement and retirement ==
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In 2012, Valve opened the replacement [https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/ Steam Discussions] in 2012 and depreciated Steam Users' Forums; however, use of the old forums continued at a decreased volume for years. On May 15, 2017, Valve closed the Steam Users' Forums without notice, redirecting web traffic from {{botignore|<code><nowiki>http://forums.steampowered.com/</nowiki></code>}} to Steam Discussions. The next day, Valve temporarily reopened SPUF until June 5th, 2017 to allow users to save off content.<ref>[https://www.archiveteam.org/index.php?title=Steam#Steam_Users.27_Forums Steam#Steam Users' Forums], archiveteam.org, accessed April 1, 2019.</ref> An archive of SPUF exists on [https://github.com/ArchiveTeam/spuf-grab GitHub].
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__TOC__
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== Site compromise ==
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On November 6, 2011, the site was compromised by attackers,<ref>"[http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/m32us/official_steam_forums_hacked_the_forums_were Official Steam Forums Hacked. The forums were quickly taken down shortly after]", [http://www.reddit.com/ reddit.com] HellJumper777, November 7, 2011. Accessed November 9, 2011.</ref> and access to the forums was temporarily disabled for maintenance.<ref>"[http://www.shacknews.com/article/70969/report-steam-users-forums-hacked Report: Steam Users' forums hacked]", Steve Watts, Shack News, November 7, 2011. Accessed November 9, 2011.</ref>
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On November 10, 2011, Valve managing director and co-founder [[w:Gabe Newell|Gabe Newell]] posted a message to all Steam users and on the Users' Forums home page, detailing the extent of the compromise.<ref name="pcgamer">"[http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/11/10/steam-database-hacked-encrypted-credit-card-information-and-passwords-compromised/ Steam database hacked. Encrypted credit card information and passwords compromised]", Owen Hill, PC Gamer, November 10, 2011. Accessed November 12, 2011.</ref> Newell stated that the intruders had obtained access to the forums and a [[Steam]] database containing "user names, hashed and salted passwords, game purchases, email addresses, billing addresses and encrypted credit card information".<ref name="pcgamer" /> While access to these databases were obtained, Newell maintained that Valve had no evidence that intruders had taken any information, nor compromised encryption on passwords and credit card details.
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The Steam Users' Forums were re-opened on November 11, 2011, with Newell's message posted as a global announcement.<ref>"[http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/announcement.php?f=952 Security Notice]", post by [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/member.php?u=419397 BurtonJ] (Valve), Steam Users' Forums, November 11, 2011. Accessed November 12, 2011.</ref> The site required all registered users to update their passwords before continuing to access their account.
  
 
== Layout ==
 
== Layout ==
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The forum mainly consists of threads for general game discussion. The topics can range from detailed looks into game design, to reports of Team Fortress 2 related media. Aside from this, subforums for specific areas of the game have been added over time to reduce the sheer amount of threads posted. For instance, class-specific subforums allow players to focus on a certain character's weapons, balance and possible future additions. Most members, however, post in the general forum regardless. Additionally, subforums for community content and [[Bots]] attempt to divert threads and traffic.
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The main forum '''layout''' features links to many subforums for individual games, the Steam platform, and other related issues. They are listed in alphabetical order. Each board mostly consists of user-created threads, which are presented by a subject that the thread creator enters when creating the thread. Users can respond to these with their own thoughts and opinions.
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== Team Fortress 2 ==
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<!-- before changing to past tense, please read talk -->
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'''''Team Fortress 2''''' has its own [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=80 subforum] on the Steam Users' Forums. The topics can range from detailed looks into game design, reports of ''Team Fortress 2'' related media, bug lists, speculation, specific ''Team Fortress 2'' announcements, and more. There are also several other subject-specific subforums within the forum to filter the sheer amount of threads posted.
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=== New Users/Training ===
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'''New Users/Training''' was implemented with the introduction of the [[Mac Update]] for new players to post queries concerning gameplay, or anything else, which experienced forum members could attempt to answer. This allows new players to specifically post questions in a newbie-friendly place where they are more likely to get answered than shunned. It also provides access to gameplay guides, videos, and other resources.
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=== Trading ===
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{{main|Trading}}
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The '''Trading''' subforum was added prior to the [[Mann-Conomy Update]] in anticipation of the new trading feature, and is now one of the most popular forums on the Steam Users' Forum. Here, users can create one thread a day to advertise in-game [[items]] that they would like to exchange for other in-game items. While replies are unlimited, users can only post one thread per 24-hour period. This was implemented to reduce spam.
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=== Classes and Balance Discussion ===
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{{main|Classes}}
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The '''Classes and Balance Discussion''' subforum contains nine more subforums, one for each class, and is used to give suggestions or comments towards the relative balance of a class. The Classes and Balance Discussion subforums are also popular for the many [[weapon]] suggestions posted in them daily.
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=== Server Feedback ===
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{{main|Servers}}
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Any discussion regarding servers goes to the '''Server Feedback''' subforum. Discussions can range from plug-ins, player count, or any other setting relevant to servers.
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=== TF2 Beta ===
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{{main|Team Fortress 2 Beta}}
  
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Following the [[Mac Update]], the subforum 'New Users / Training' was created for new players to post queries concerning gameplay, which experienced forum members could attempt to answer.
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The '''TF2 Beta''' subforum contains three subforums which are used to discuss Public play, [[Competitive play]], and servers in ''Team Fortress 2 Beta''. Valve developers occasionally create stickied threads to discuss the latest changes in the Public and Competitive subforums. A thread in the main index allows users to post brief summaries of and links to their suggestions for weapon changes or additions to be tested in the beta.
  
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The new subforum entitled '[[Trading]]' was added prior to the [[Mann-Conomy Update]], allowing players to post and accept requests for ingame items.
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=== Competitive Team Play and League discussion ===
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{{main|Competitive play}}
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The '''Competitive Team Play and League discussion''' subforum was created on March 15, 2012 and contains information about various competitive leagues and strategies.
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=== Bot Feedback ===
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{{main|Bots}}
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Feedback on bots is restricted to the '''Bot Feedback''' subforum, be it about bugs and glitches, suggestions, or questions about how they work.
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=== Meet the Team ===
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{{main|Meet the Team}}
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This subforum is primarily to discuss anything about the '''Meet the Team''' videos. This includes any suggestions, questions, or comments about existing or possible future Meet the Team videos.
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=== Community Content/Contribution Project ===
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{{main|Steam Workshop}}
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All discussions about community contributions or otherwise generally go in the '''Community Content/Contribution Project''' subforum. There are also many resources to help budding contributors such as guides to hat making, skinning, video making, and more. This forum has three subforums: Art/Video, Other, and TF2 Maps.
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=== Special subforums ===
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{{main|Hat Describing Contest}}
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During the [[Hat Describing Contest]], a handful of new subforums were implemented. Some of these '''special subforums''' are not shown as subforums on the ''Team Fortress 2'' main forum, but do exist.
  
 
== Suggestions ==
 
== Suggestions ==
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It is frequently cited by Valve that they do read the posts on the forums, and users are encouraged to post and discuss various aspects of the game. Furthermore, it is implied that successful ideas for new weapons or game designs could make their way into the game.  
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Certain employees at Valve have stated that they read the posts on the forums, and that users are encouraged to post and discuss various aspects of the game. They are interested in the problems that players come across, and work towards fixing them; '''suggestions''' and solutions to certain mechanics are less helpful as they do not provide as much focus on the root problem.
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Various members of the forums send email to developers, and they may post the reply and their various takes on it on the main discussion forum.
  
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Various members of the forums, upon sending an email to the developer Robin Walker, may post the reply and their various takes on it on the forum.
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There have also been several accounts of hoax emails on the Steam Users' Forums. Robin Walker has even [[Achievements#Steam Users' Forums Achievements|acknowledged]] one of these during the [[Golden Wrench]] event. Humorously, this email cryptically implied that the Golden Wrench would be a limited item, not unlike the [[Gentle Manne's Service Medal]]. This later proved factual when the event set in to motion.
  
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== External links ==
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== References ==
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* [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=80 Team Fortress 2 &ndash; Steam Users' Forums]
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<references/>
  
 
[[Category:Valve]]
 
[[Category:Valve]]
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[[Category:Community sites]]
 

Latest revision as of 21:08, 12 March 2023

Dead Heat Icon.png“Gotta move that gear up!”
This article may contain content that is out of date. You can help improve this article by updating the content as necessary. See the wiki style guide.
Notes: The Steam Users' Forums do not exist anymore. They were replaced by Steam Discussions.
Steam Users' Forums
Steam users forums.png
Website Info
URL: http://forums.steampowered.com (June 1, 2017 archived URL)

The Steam Users' Forums, also known as Steam Powered User Forums or SPUF, were the official Valve-hosted message boards for the Steam Community. The Steam Users' Forums was one of the largest vBulletin forums in existence, containing a discussion board for nearly every game on Steam,[1] including Team Fortress 2.

The number of Team Fortress 2 players that frequented and used the Steam Users' Forums accounts formed approximately 3% of the entire player base.[2]

Replacement and retirement

In 2012, Valve opened the replacement Steam Discussions in 2012 and depreciated Steam Users' Forums; however, use of the old forums continued at a decreased volume for years. On May 15, 2017, Valve closed the Steam Users' Forums without notice, redirecting web traffic from http://forums.steampowered.com/ to Steam Discussions. The next day, Valve temporarily reopened SPUF until June 5th, 2017 to allow users to save off content.[3] An archive of SPUF exists on GitHub.

Site compromise

On November 6, 2011, the site was compromised by attackers,[4] and access to the forums was temporarily disabled for maintenance.[5]

On November 10, 2011, Valve managing director and co-founder Gabe Newell posted a message to all Steam users and on the Users' Forums home page, detailing the extent of the compromise.[6] Newell stated that the intruders had obtained access to the forums and a Steam database containing "user names, hashed and salted passwords, game purchases, email addresses, billing addresses and encrypted credit card information".[6] While access to these databases were obtained, Newell maintained that Valve had no evidence that intruders had taken any information, nor compromised encryption on passwords and credit card details.

The Steam Users' Forums were re-opened on November 11, 2011, with Newell's message posted as a global announcement.[7] The site required all registered users to update their passwords before continuing to access their account.

Layout

The main forum layout features links to many subforums for individual games, the Steam platform, and other related issues. They are listed in alphabetical order. Each board mostly consists of user-created threads, which are presented by a subject that the thread creator enters when creating the thread. Users can respond to these with their own thoughts and opinions.

Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2 has its own subforum on the Steam Users' Forums. The topics can range from detailed looks into game design, reports of Team Fortress 2 related media, bug lists, speculation, specific Team Fortress 2 announcements, and more. There are also several other subject-specific subforums within the forum to filter the sheer amount of threads posted.

New Users/Training

New Users/Training was implemented with the introduction of the Mac Update for new players to post queries concerning gameplay, or anything else, which experienced forum members could attempt to answer. This allows new players to specifically post questions in a newbie-friendly place where they are more likely to get answered than shunned. It also provides access to gameplay guides, videos, and other resources.

Trading

Main article: Trading

The Trading subforum was added prior to the Mann-Conomy Update in anticipation of the new trading feature, and is now one of the most popular forums on the Steam Users' Forum. Here, users can create one thread a day to advertise in-game items that they would like to exchange for other in-game items. While replies are unlimited, users can only post one thread per 24-hour period. This was implemented to reduce spam.

Classes and Balance Discussion

Main article: Classes

The Classes and Balance Discussion subforum contains nine more subforums, one for each class, and is used to give suggestions or comments towards the relative balance of a class. The Classes and Balance Discussion subforums are also popular for the many weapon suggestions posted in them daily.

Server Feedback

Main article: Servers

Any discussion regarding servers goes to the Server Feedback subforum. Discussions can range from plug-ins, player count, or any other setting relevant to servers.

TF2 Beta

Main article: Team Fortress 2 Beta

The TF2 Beta subforum contains three subforums which are used to discuss Public play, Competitive play, and servers in Team Fortress 2 Beta. Valve developers occasionally create stickied threads to discuss the latest changes in the Public and Competitive subforums. A thread in the main index allows users to post brief summaries of and links to their suggestions for weapon changes or additions to be tested in the beta.

Competitive Team Play and League discussion

Main article: Competitive play

The Competitive Team Play and League discussion subforum was created on March 15, 2012 and contains information about various competitive leagues and strategies.

Bot Feedback

Main article: Bots

Feedback on bots is restricted to the Bot Feedback subforum, be it about bugs and glitches, suggestions, or questions about how they work.

Meet the Team

Main article: Meet the Team

This subforum is primarily to discuss anything about the Meet the Team videos. This includes any suggestions, questions, or comments about existing or possible future Meet the Team videos.

Community Content/Contribution Project

Main article: Steam Workshop

All discussions about community contributions or otherwise generally go in the Community Content/Contribution Project subforum. There are also many resources to help budding contributors such as guides to hat making, skinning, video making, and more. This forum has three subforums: Art/Video, Other, and TF2 Maps.

Special subforums

Main article: Hat Describing Contest

During the Hat Describing Contest, a handful of new subforums were implemented. Some of these special subforums are not shown as subforums on the Team Fortress 2 main forum, but do exist.

Suggestions

Certain employees at Valve have stated that they read the posts on the forums, and that users are encouraged to post and discuss various aspects of the game. They are interested in the problems that players come across, and work towards fixing them; suggestions and solutions to certain mechanics are less helpful as they do not provide as much focus on the root problem.

Various members of the forums send email to developers, and they may post the reply and their various takes on it on the main discussion forum.

There have also been several accounts of hoax emails on the Steam Users' Forums. Robin Walker has even acknowledged one of these during the Golden Wrench event. Humorously, this email cryptically implied that the Golden Wrench would be a limited item, not unlike the Gentle Manne's Service Medal. This later proved factual when the event set in to motion.

References

  1. ↑ Steam#Steam Users' Forums, archiveteam.org, accessed April 1, 2019.
  2. ↑ Audio interview with Robin Walker.
  3. ↑ Steam#Steam Users' Forums, archiveteam.org, accessed April 1, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Official Steam Forums Hacked. The forums were quickly taken down shortly after", reddit.com HellJumper777, November 7, 2011. Accessed November 9, 2011.
  5. ↑ "Report: Steam Users' forums hacked", Steve Watts, Shack News, November 7, 2011. Accessed November 9, 2011.
  6. ↑ a b "Steam database hacked. Encrypted credit card information and passwords compromised", Owen Hill, PC Gamer, November 10, 2011. Accessed November 12, 2011.
  7. ↑ "Security Notice", post by BurtonJ (Valve), Steam Users' Forums, November 11, 2011. Accessed November 12, 2011.
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