Valve Unleashes Team Fortress 2 Code: Modders Celebrate

Valve has just rolled out an exciting update to the Source SDK, granting access to "all" the Team Fortress 2 client and server game code. This update is a game-changer for modders, as it allows them to create entirely new games using the source code. Unlike modifications through Steam Workshop or local content mods, this new access permits modders to change, extend, and even completely rewrite Team Fortress 2 in nearly any conceivable way.

However, there's a catch: any creations made with this code must be released for free on a non-commercial basis. Despite this restriction, mods and spin-off content can be published on the Steam Store, appearing as new games in the Steam game list.

Valve emphasized the importance of respecting the TF2 community's contributions, 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. To respect that, we're asking TF2 mod makers continue to respect that connection, and to not make mods that have the purpose of trying to profit off Workshop contributors' efforts. We're hoping that many mods will continue to allow players access their TF2 inventory, if this makes sense for the mod."

In addition to the Source SDK update, Valve announced a significant update to all its multiplayer back-catalog Source engine titles. This update includes 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and "a lot of other improvements" for games such as 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. The comics have been a valuable resource for fans, offering new insights into characters and stories, and they underscore Valve's ongoing commitment to one of its most beloved series.