Valve Unleashes Team Fortress 2 Code, Modders Celebrate

Valve has just unleashed an exciting update to the Source SDK, integrating the entire Team Fortress 2 client and server game code. This monumental update empowers players to craft entirely new games from the ground up, offering unprecedented access to modify, expand, and even completely overhaul Team Fortress 2 in any conceivable way. Unlike modifications made through the Steam Workshop or local content mods, this update allows modders to dive deep into the game's core.

However, there's a catch: creations developed using this update must be released for free and on a non-commercial basis. Despite this, Valve enables modders to publish their work on the Steam Store, where these new creations will appear as distinct games in the Steam game list.

Valve highlighted the significant contributions from the Team Fortress 2 community, stating, "Players have a lot of investment in their TF2 inventories, and Steam Workshop contributors have created a lot of that content. The majority of items in the game now are thanks to the hard work of the TF2 community." They emphasized the importance of respecting this community effort, urging mod makers to avoid profiting off the work of Workshop contributors. Valve also encouraged modders to consider integrating players' existing TF2 inventories into their mods, where feasible.

In addition to the Source SDK update, Valve announced a comprehensive update to all its multiplayer back-catalog Source engine titles. This includes enhancements such as 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other improvements across games like Team Fortress 2, Day of Defeat: Source, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch, Counter-Strike: Source, and Half-Life: Deathmatch Source.

This news comes on the heels of the release of the seventh and final update to the Team Fortress 2 comic series in December, after a seven-year wait. These comics have not only provided fans with deeper insights into their beloved characters and storylines but also underscored Valve's ongoing commitment to one of its most enduring franchises.