Valve's Source SDK receives a major update, granting full access to Team Fortress 2's codebase. This unprecedented move allows modders to create entirely new games based on TF2, going far beyond the limitations of Steam Workshop or standard modding.
The update empowers creators to modify, expand, and even completely rewrite Team Fortress 2. While commercialization is prohibited – all resulting mods and derivative content must be free and non-commercial – these creations can be published on the Steam Store, appearing as distinct games within the Steam game library.
Valve's decision acknowledges the significant contributions of the TF2 community, particularly regarding in-game items and Steam Workshop content. They urge modders to respect this investment, explicitly discouraging the creation of mods designed to profit from the work of Workshop contributors. Ideally, Valve hopes many mods will maintain compatibility with players' existing TF2 inventories.
This update isn't limited to TF2. Valve is also implementing a substantial update across its back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles. This includes the addition of 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI elements, prediction fixes, and numerous other enhancements benefiting TF2, DoD:S, HL2:DM, CS:S, and HLDM:S.
The announcement follows the December release of the seventh and final chapter of the Team Fortress 2 comic series, a seven-year project that highlights Valve's ongoing commitment to this long-standing franchise.
