Picking a replacement name proved harder than the team expected, but they settled on Classified. The new title keeps a similar sound while adding thematic weight: “classify” hints at both the idea of making something ‘classic’ and the literal notion of classification, which ties neatly into the spy-film aesthetic that early TF2 often evoked — think classified documents, manila folders, and a slightly more serious mood. According to the devs, it simply “passed the vibe check.”
Even after choosing Classified, the name still needed approval. Eminoma said Steam’s naming policy contained gray areas, so the only way to get a definitive answer was to submit a build for Steamworks review — a process that can take several weeks each time. That review cycle stretched the rebranding into a months-long effort and altered their original release timetable.
The delay announcement clarifies that, despite the team’s best efforts to hit a vague 2025 target, they cannot meet that window. The extra time will be used for polishing, thorough testing, and to allow for the unpredictable cadence of Steamworks reviews — a factor outside the team’s control that necessitates padding in the schedule to avoid last-minute setbacks.
Eminoma stressed they want the release to land as much as fans do, but emphasized that a strong first impression matters: they only get one chance, and they plan to use it well. As the team quipped, a little bit of “Valve time” feels oddly appropriate for an authentic TF2 experience.
What players can expect: according to the Team Fortress 2 Classified Steam page, the mod includes quality-of-life improvements, restored and reworked cut content, and ongoing full-size updates that honor TF2’s timeless style. There’s also a brand-new class, the Civilian, pre-release-inspired weapons, fresh game modes, and more.
Also noted: Valve and Team Fortress 2 inspired one of the standout weapons in Crysis 3 — Crytek’s lead designer said he spent a lot of time playing TF2 as the Sniper and with bows, which influenced the creation of a composite bow in the game.
Source: gamesradar.com
