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Valve and WeLoveFine announced the release of their merchandise line for The International 7 late Monday night, under the usual Secret Shop branding, including merchandise new and old. The US-based company also has a mix of formal classic merch and fan-created items available.
Fans in China will also have a chance to receive items, as the Perfect World Secret Shop will deliver the same selection of items to fans.
As with recent past years, artists and artisans were offered a chance to create new items for the shop, including t-shirts, mugs, home goods and more. For instance, the Blind Box Micro Plush, now in its fifth edition, was designed this year by Lady Bane and Genevieve Tsai, and the characters are as expressive as ever. The Dota 2 SteelSeries Arctis 5 headset also features art by Chroneco, sporting adorable “chibi” versions of Dota 2 heroes on the sides of the earphones.
WeLoveFine has also created an interview series featuring three three of these artists: Lady Bane, Chroneco and Swade. The interviews talk about the inspirations and processes behind some of the high-profile items that these artists worked on.
Returning this year also is Good Smile Company, with two officially-confirmed figures: a chibi-like Nendoroid of Queen of Pain, and a full Figma of Lina.
While the items are popular year-round, interest peaks around The International. And this year, Valve is keeping fans on their toes, as an on-site Secret Shop will be available. On the official blog, they also hinted that this year’s in-person store will include “several gifts with purchase exclusive to fans at the event.”
TI7 attendees should hang onto their wallets, but for now, it’s never too early to start slipping items into the cart.