"Well, it won't be this year," said Lombardi when asked about the next update. "But we're going to keep evolving TF2. Once Left 4 Dead wraps, you'll hear us clamoring more about [the next TF2 update]."

Lombardi made the statement after speaking on the impending release of Left 4 Dead (PC, 360), which saw contributions from numerous Team Fortress 2 team members as development of the cooperative zombie-killing shooter entered the final stages.

Since TF2's arrival last year, Valve has provided numerous free updates to owners of the PC version, adding new modes and maps along with class-specific achievements and unlockables for the Medic, Pyro and Heavy classes. The studio has pledged that all of the title's nine classes will eventually be updated with new weaponry.

The marketing VP also reiterated that bringing the existing Team Fortress 2 updates to Xbox 360 is "definitely in the plan," though no timeline was offered as to its release.