Valve Unleashes TF2 Code: Modders, Rejoice!

Valve unleashes a colossal Source SDK update, granting full access to Team Fortress 2's client and server code. This empowers players to craft entirely new games, surpassing the limitations of Steam Workshop or standard modding. Modders gain unprecedented control, enabling modifications, expansions, and even complete rewrites of Team Fortress 2.

While commercialization is prohibited – all creations must remain free and non-commercial – these new games can be published on the Steam Store, appearing as distinct entries within the Steam game library.

Valve's rationale, as detailed in a blog post, acknowledges the significant community investment in TF2 inventories and Steam Workshop contributions. The company requests that mod creators respect this investment and refrain from creating mods intended to profit from the work of Workshop contributors. Ideally, many mods will maintain compatibility with players' existing TF2 inventories.

This expansive update extends beyond TF2, encompassing Valve's entire back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles. These titles receive a substantial upgrade, including 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other enhancements. Beneficiaries include DoD:S, HL2:DM, CS:S, and HLDM:S.

This news follows December's release of the seventh and final update to the Team Fortress 2 comic, concluding a seven-year run. The comics served not only as a rich source of lore and character development for fans but also as a demonstration of Valve's ongoing commitment to one of its longest-running franchises.