Speaking in an interview on the Seven Day Cooldown podcast, Newell explained that Valve is attempting to put a fresh spin on the free-to-play model.

"It's going to be free-to-play - it'll have some twists, but that's the easiest way for people to think about it," Newell said.

"So, in practice, a really likable person in our community should get DOTA 2 for free, because of past behaviour in Team Fortress 2. Now, a real jerk that annoys everyone, they can still play, but a game is full price and they have to pay an extra hundred dollars if they want voice."