No, that title isn't a joke: ScrapTF is acquiring backpack.tf. Once the transfer process is complete, ScrapTF (that's us!) will have ownership and control of backpack.tf. This is a very exciting opportunity for us; we think backpack.tf is a vital part of the trade community and we have big plans for it. We have more details for you down below, but first, allow me to make something very clear: we have no plans to amend the price suggestion process on backpack.tf. It is a sacred part of the TF2 community and we are dedicated to doing right by it.

Why we're acquiring backpack.tf

Two main factors drove our decision to acquire backpack.tf. First and foremost, we were approached and asked if we would buy backpack; we felt we were the right people for the job, so we said yes. We've created and managed two high-traffic TF2 websites already, so a third one is right up our alley. We didn't want one of the most vital parts of the TF2 economy to fall into the hands of those who wouldn't do it justice.

Second, we feel that with the addition of backpack.tf to our network of websites, we can create some great things. Each of these websites -- ScrapTF, Marketplace.tf, and backpack.tf  -- is able to benefit the other. For example, here at ScrapTF we've been collecting a great amount of data from the Steam Community Market to assist in pricing some of our items. This data can go to good use on backpack.tf, where we can use it to help determine prices of items heuristically. backpack.tf also has a lot of data that can greatly assist ScrapTF and Marketplace.tf in determining accurate prices for items. 

Immediate Changes

We have not yet begun the process of transferring the hosting of backpack.tf to ScrapTF, which will begin once the payment has cleared. This process will take some time, but once it is complete, expect us to immediately prioritize improving backpack.tf's performance and stability. We have a number of improvements planned to ensure that pages load faster than ever, and inventories fail to load far less frequently.

Backpack's administrators and moderators have done a phenomenal job managing the backpack.tf community, and we're excited to work with them moving forward. We won't be making any changes to the staff or structure, and their input is of the highest value to us.

Long-term Plans

Over the next few months and years, we will be building upon and improving backpack.tf in numerous ways. We have big plans for Classifieds which we think you'll very much like. We'll be improving the methods through which you can purchase premium or donate; you'll be able to do so with a variety of items beyond just keys. In terms of statistics, backpack.tf will have much-improved SCM sales statistics that will grant insight into the sales data of the Steam Community Market.

These are just our immediate long-term plans. As we move forward, we'll be incorporating new ideas into our plans.

Questions?

We're sure you have questions, comments, or concerns that are burning a hole in your head. To that end, we're hosting an AMA on /r/tf2; go ahead and ask us anything about ScrapTF, Marketplace.tf, or backpack.tf.

We look forward to a long and healthy TF2 economy. This is just the beginning of our adventure.

-Geel and Jesse