Through the looking glass: Since Team Fortress 2 implemented one of the earliest microtransaction markets in 2010, the game has captivated economists and observers alike, as millions of dollars have flowed through its community. Remarkably, the game's player count continues to grow 17 years after its launch, and traded items are only increasing in value. Prolific Team Fortress 2 player and organizer Vytal recently completed the largest trade in the 14-year history of the game's microtransaction economy. The deal far surpasses the previous record set in January 2024, indicating that the market within Valve's free-to-play shooter is thriving as its player base appears healthier than ever.The exact value of the trade for an ultra-rare Level 84 "Masterpiece" Crone's Dome varies across trading platforms. However, all estimates agree the transaction was unprecedented.In an interview with PC Gamer, Vytal revealed that he acquired the hat, along with a few additional items, for 24,000 keys. In the Team Fortress 2 economy, common supply crate keys function as a de facto currency, with their dollar value fluctuating similarly to foreign exchange rates.Currently, keys sell for just over $2 on platforms like Steam and Backpack.tf, making the Crone's Dome worth approximately $50,000. Using the Marketplace.tf valuation of $1.78 per key, the estimate falls closer to $42,000. // Related StoriesEven at the lower valuation, this trade more than doubles the previous record from January 2024, when a similar Crone's Dome was traded for 10,000 keys, or about $18,000. Instances of the Crone's Dome with various effects are extremely rare, as the item originally appeared during brief special events in 2013, 2014, and 2017. With no plans to reintroduce it, the supply is unlikely to increase.Notably, the Crone's Dome acquired by Vytal boasts multiple rare effects and a glitched killstreak, elevating its uniqueness. The buyer insists, it is the best hat in the game.It remains unclear how long Vytal's record will stand. Originally released in 2007, Team Fortress 2 is something of an ancient predecessor to popular hero shooters like Overwatch, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals, but it remains one of Steam's most popular titles.Recent traffic peaks have seen over 150,000 players logged into the game, while Valve has responded to its growing community by releasing significant updates over the last two years.Technical upgrades have fixed longstanding bugs, introduced 64-bit support, and raised the framerate cap to 400fps. Content updates have added around two dozen new maps and numerous cosmetic items, fueling record-breaking player counts that have exceeded 200,000 more than 15 years after the game's original launch.