The TF2 blog has been updated by Robin Walker, who talks about the struggles of trying to create a sniper rifle alternative unlock for the next update. Robin outlines the development process TF2 has taken regarding deaths of players, adding changes such as the freezecam and removing grenades since Team Fortress Classic.

Changes such as this have allowed players to identify and understand how they died, so they can learn how to avoid this and improve their skill level. The sniper can cause this kind of anger by killing you without being near you so the next unlock will add a new depth...

In an effort to reduce some of the aggravation that other players feel towards the Sniper, we chose the goal of designing an unlockable that encouraged the Sniper to get a little closer to his target. We want him to give up some of his primary advantage in return for something else, so that enemies he kills feel like they were engaged with them, and feel like they could have survived if they'd just managed to fight a little better

There is also a mention of Gang Garrison 2.1 being released (the 8-bit style TF2 game) which has many new additions. Team Fortress 2 Blog.