If you're a server admin, be sure to register your server for matchmaking in order to have gift drops appear on your server. When Valve's Halloween 2011 event starts next week, if your server isn't properly registered, no random gift drops will appear.
We're going to be launching some new Halloween content in the near future and wanted to give you all a quick heads-up. There will be random gift drops, but this year we are requiring that participants register their servers. If you choose not to register, you can still run the Halloween maps, but no gifts will drop on your server. By registering, your server will also be included in matchmaking, which will potentially drive traffic to you. Note that cheating or otherwise abusing the gift drop system will result in losing your registration, access to gift drops and other potential value-adds in the future.
You still have plenty of time, as this change won't be going live until next week. Registration is quick and simple, and is outlined here.
You still have plenty of time, as this change won't be going live until next week. Registration is quick and simple, and is outlined here.
This comes directly from Valve via the Half-Life Dedicated Server mailing list.
And in case you are not yet aware, Valve has brought back last year's Halloween event, Mann Manor, for the week leading up to 2011's new content. This is to give the new players a chance to earn some of last year's goodies. Feel free to join up on the fun a bit early this year as the event has already kicked off!