Valve's Source SDK receives a monumental update, granting full access to Team Fortress 2's client and server code. This unprecedented move allows 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 empowers creators to modify, expand, and even completely rewrite Team Fortress 2 in virtually any conceivable way. However, commercialization is strictly prohibited; all resulting mods and derivative content must be freely distributed on a non-commercial basis. Despite this restriction, creations can be published on the Steam Store, appearing as independent games within Steam's game library.
Valve's decision acknowledges the significant community investment in TF2, both in terms of player inventories and the vast amount of content generated through Steam Workshop contributions. To maintain this respect, Valve urges modders to refrain from creating content designed to profit from the community's prior efforts. Ideally, many mods would continue to allow players to utilize their existing TF2 inventories, where feasible.
Furthermore, Valve is implementing a substantial update across its back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles. This comprehensive update introduces 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other enhancements benefiting TF2, DoD:S, HL2:DM, CS:S, and HLDM:S.
This news follows the December release of the seventh and final installment of the Team Fortress 2 comic series, a seven-year endeavor that showcased Valve's ongoing commitment to this long-standing franchise and provided fans with rich character development and compelling narratives.
