As the Dota 2 community eagerly awaits the next gameplay update, a fan on Reddit has shared a theory suggesting Valve is preparing a large-scale visual redesign for almost every hero. While gamer theories often stem from wishful thinking and turn out to be far from reality, this one seems quite plausible. Let`s delve into the arguments the author presented.
Valve has always enjoyed leaving subtle hints and easter eggs in item descriptions, patch notes, and especially video trailers. A Reddit user pointed out that in the Ringmaster trailer, the model for Axe looks different from his current in-game appearance – new elements have been added, and existing ones modified or recolored.
One might assume Valve simply altered Axe`s model exclusively for the trailer to make it appear more cinematic. However, a closer look reveals distinct texture separation on his trousers – leather, fabric, and metal elements don`t merge into a single blurry mess. In the author`s assessment, this level of detail suggests the trailer version of Axe is a complete model, matching the quality of modern games, rather than a simple asset created solely for a minute of screen time in a single video. Furthermore, it aligns with the fact that Dota 2 developers enjoy leaving clues about future updates (and generally avoid putting in extra effort without a reason, of course).
Additionally, Valve has previously teased upcoming redesigns through videos focused on seemingly unrelated topics. For instance, the developers showcased the new Shadow Fiend model in the intro cinematic for The International 2014, several months before the updated character model was actually released in the game.
Back in the “Dead Reckoning” update, which introduced Muerta, Valve mentioned they were beginning to convert game models to a newer format called ModelDoc. ModelDoc is a tool designed to streamline and systematize the process of editing models and creating animations for them.
“Also, we`re currently converting game models to a newer format called ModelDoc. Following this, we`ll remove some animation interfaces from custom game API and add ModelDoc animation support. Legacy interfaces are listed on the Source 2 developer wiki.”
Nearly two years have passed since then, yet Dota 2 hasn`t received significant visual updates. This leads to the speculation that the developers are preparing a single, large-scale update that will include a collection of revamped hero models all at once.
Moreover, the author of the post references instances where the community has previously discovered updated, but unused, base models for heroes within the game files. Queen of Pain is cited as an example.
Also in 2023, a couple of months after the “Dead Reckoning” update and coinciding with Dota 2`s tenth anniversary, an interview with representatives from Perfect World, who handle the official localization of the game for the Chinese market, was published on Chinese platforms.
In this interview, a company representative confirmed that Valve is preparing hero redesigns. While the translation available was machine-generated and nuances might be distorted, the Reddit author quotes the following statement: “In the future, Valve plans to update all hero models.”
Curiously, also in 2023, insider Vikram Reddy hinted at a Morphling remodel, which Valve has yet to release (despite Reddy`s insider information typically proving accurate). It`s possible Valve had a certain set of updated characters ready even back then, but the developers decided that *all* heroes should undergo a redesign and that they should be released simultaneously.
In some form, Valve will undoubtedly update the characters. However, in recent years, most redesign efforts have been focused primarily on Personas or Arcanas – essentially paid content. Changes to the base hero models have seemingly been put on hold for several years.
Nevertheless, it`s unlikely Valve intends to fully monetize the concept of updated hero models. After all, the developers have numerous other tools for generating revenue, one of which, in the form of the Battle Pass, the company has conspicuously ignored for the past two years. Therefore, it is quite probable that a significant update featuring improvements to the base hero models has been in development internally for several years. We can conclude with the developers` own words from a recent official post:
“At Valve, we always try to embrace unpredictability and let data guide development. Because of this, our products don`t always release at appointed times. Nevertheless, we hope you like them — when they`re ready.”