Team Fortress 2’s latest major update brought with it the arrival of an in-game storefront where players can spend their hard-earned cash on virtual in-game items such as fancy hats, secondary weapons, and avatars. Apart from Valve’s in-house offerings, the company is stocking the Mann Co. store with contributions from that of community members, giving them a cut of any profits generated in return.

These items are generating a wealth of interest, with Valve sending word that the initial round of content creators — five individuals in all — have received approximately $39,000 to $47,000 each in royalty payment for their efforts. Among those that participated were Rob Laro, Shawn Spetch, Steven Skidmore, Spencer Kern, and Shaylyn Hamm. Bare in mind this payout covers only two weeks worth of transactions.

A snag was hit when Valve attempted to send out these payments PayPal, exceeding its maximum deposit cap. Valve responded by courting two of the community members out to the company’s headquarters in Seattle and made alternative payment arrangements for the others. Talk about going above and beyond!

“At a time when content creators are struggling with changing markets and evolving technologies, the Steam community is sending a clear message with these checks,” said Valve president Gabe Newell. “Platforms that enable this kind of peer-to-peer exchange of virtual goods and services are going to be enthusiastically received. They create an inherently greater efficiency in connecting creators and consumers.”

Aspiring and seasoned designers alike who wish to share their contributions for possible inclusion in TF2 can head on over to Valve’s contribute page for submission dossiers.

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