Valve's Source SDK receives a monumental update, granting full access to Team Fortress 2's client and server code. This unprecedented move empowers modders to create entirely new games based on TF2's foundation, going far beyond the limitations of Steam Workshop or standard modding.
This open-source access allows for extensive modification, expansion, and even complete rewrites of Team Fortress 2's mechanics and features. While commercialization is prohibited – all derivative works must be non-commercial and free to access – these creations can be published on the Steam Store as independent games.
Valve's decision acknowledges the significant community contributions to TF2, particularly the vast amount of content generated through the Steam Workshop and player-owned inventories. The company requests modders respect this existing ecosystem and refrain from creating mods designed to exploit the efforts of Workshop contributors. Ideally, many mods would continue to support player access to their TF2 inventories.
This expansive update isn't limited to TF2. Valve is also implementing a major upgrade across its back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles. This includes the addition of 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other enhancements for Team Fortress 2, DoD:S, HL2:DM, CS:S, and HLDM:S.
The news follows the December release of the seventh and final update to the Team Fortress 2 comic series, a seven-year endeavor that showcased Valve's ongoing commitment to this long-standing franchise and provided rich lore for fans.
