Valve, the popular MOBA Dota 2 developer, released patch notes written entirely in emojis on August 8, 2023. This was a surprise to the Dota 2 community, as Valve has never done this before.
7.34 Patch Notes
The patch notes were posted on the official Dota 2 website, and they quickly went viral. Fans around the world began to try to decipher the emojis, and within a few hours, a 55-page document was created that translated the patch notes into plain English.
For example, here are just some of the deciphered notes:
– Abaddon 🐴☠️🛡️
🐴☠️🛡️: 🌫️💫 ⏱️ 🔺 5️⃣.5️⃣s ➡️ 6️⃣.5️⃣/6️⃣/5️⃣.5️⃣/5️⃣s
Mist coil cooldown changed from 5.5s to 6.5/ 6/ 5.5/ 5s
🐴☠️🛡️: 🌫️💫 💥/💉 🔺 1️⃣1️⃣0️⃣/1️⃣6️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣1️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣6️⃣0️⃣ ➡️ 9️⃣0️⃣/1️⃣6️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣3️⃣0️⃣/3️⃣0️⃣0️⃣
Mist coil damage/heal increased from 110/160/210/260 to 90/160/230/300
– Bloodseeker 🧛♂️🩸
🧛♂️🩸: 💨❤️🌲➡️1️⃣1️⃣/1️⃣4️⃣/1️⃣7️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣% ➡️ 8️⃣/1️⃣2️⃣/1️⃣6️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣%.
Thirst treatment of max. health creeps: 11/14/17/20% -> 8/12/16/20%.
🧛♂️🩸: 💔⏳➡️1️⃣0️⃣/1️⃣1️⃣/1️⃣2️⃣s ➡️ 9️⃣/1️⃣0️⃣/1️⃣1️⃣s.
Rupture duration 10/11/12s -> 9/10/11s.
– Phoenix 🔥🐓
🔥🐓:☀️🦅⏲️1️⃣s➡️0️⃣.2️⃣s
Icarus Dive damage interval 1->0.2
🔥🐓:🔥👻💥⏲️1️⃣s➡️0️⃣.2️⃣s
Fire spirits damage interval 1->0.2
🔥🐓:☀️🔦➕2️⃣%❌😎⬇️🔛0️⃣.2️⃣s. 🔛5️⃣s 🔄
Sun Ray:
Damage increased by 2% per second.
No longer affects enemies under the effect of Break? (from ChatGPT) No longer heals?
🔛 – Toggle Movement?
Cooldown increased by 5s
🔥🐓:🌞💥⏲️1️⃣s➡️0️⃣.2️⃣sund
Supernova damage interval 1->0.2
What’s Changed?
The patch notes included a number of changes to the game, including new items, hero buffs and nerfs, and gameplay adjustments. Some of the most notable changes included:
- A new item called the “Aghanim’s Shard”, which gives heroes a unique new ability.
- Buffs to heroes such as Anti-Mage, Phantom Lancer, and Slardar.
- Nerfs to heroes such as Pudge, Invoker, and Spirit Breaker.
- Changes to the map, including new camps and jungle mechanics.
The patch notes also included a number of smaller changes, such as bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements.
Valve’s decision to release the patch notes in emojis was met with mixed reactions from the Dota 2 community. Some fans appreciated the humor and creativity of the move, while others found it to be frustrating and confusing.
Those who enjoyed the emoji patch notes praised Valve for trying something new and different. They also said that the emojis made the patch notes more fun and engaging to read.
Those who disliked the emoji patch notes argued that it was difficult and time-consuming to decipher the emojis. They also said that the emojis were not always clear or unambiguous, which could lead to confusion.
Despite the mixed reactions, Valve’s emoji patch notes were a success in generating buzz and excitement for the new patch. The patch notes were also a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Dota 2 community, as fans were able to decipher the emojis and translate the patch notes into plain English in a matter of hours.
Why Did Valve Release Patch Notes In Emojis?
Valve has not officially stated why they released the patch notes in emojis. However, there are a few possible reasons.
One possibility is that Valve wanted to do something fun and different. The Dota 2 community is known for its sense of humor, and Valve may have thought that the emoji patch notes would be a fun way to engage with the community.
Another possibility is that Valve wanted to challenge the community. The emoji patch notes were not easy to decipher, and Valve may have wanted to see how the community would respond.
It is also possible that Valve was simply trying to generate buzz and excitement for the new patch. The emoji patch notes certainly got people talking, and they helped to create a lot of anticipation for the new patch.
What Does This Mean For The Future Of Dota 2?
The release of the emoji patch notes is a sign that Valve is still committed to Dota 2. The game is over a decade old, but Valve is still actively developing it and releasing new content.
The emoji patch notes also show that Valve is willing to experiment and try new things. Valve is not afraid to take risks, and this is one of the things that makes Dota 2 such a unique and innovative game.
Conclusion
Valve’s decision to release the patch notes in emojis was a bold move. It was met with mixed reactions from the community, but it was certainly successful in generating buzz and excitement for the new patch.
The emoji patch notes are also a sign that Valve is still committed to Dota 2 and that they are willing to experiment and try new things. This is good news for the future of Dota 2, as it means that the game will continue to evolve and grow in the years to come.
