Valve unleashes a colossal Source SDK update, generously gifting modders with the complete Team Fortress 2 client and server game code. This unprecedented access allows for the creation of entirely new games, surpassing the limitations of Steam Workshop or standard modding. Modders can modify, expand, and even completely overhaul Team Fortress 2 in ways previously unimaginable.
While commercialization is prohibited – meaning all derived content must remain free and non-commercial – creations can be published on the Steam Store, listed as independent games.
Valve's rationale, as stated in a blog post, centers on respecting the community's significant investment in TF2 inventories and Steam Workshop contributions. They urge mod creators to maintain this respect, refraining from profiting from the community's work. Ideally, many mods will continue to allow players to utilize their existing TF2 inventories.
This expansive update isn't limited to TF2. Valve is also rolling out a major update across its back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles, incorporating 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other enhancements. This benefits not only TF2, but also DoD:S, HL2:DM, CS:S, and HLDM:S.
The news follows the December release of the seventh and final update to the long-running Team Fortress 2 comic series, a seven-year endeavor that showcased Valve's continued commitment to one of its flagship franchises. These comics have served as a rich source of lore and character development for dedicated fans.
