Valve Unveils Source Engine for Team Fortress 2

Valve's Source SDK receives a massive update, granting full access to Team Fortress 2's codebase! This unprecedented release allows modders to create entirely new games based on TF2, offering unparalleled freedom to modify, expand, or even completely rewrite the game's mechanics.

This open-source access, unlike previous Steam Workshop limitations, empowers creators to push the boundaries of TF2 modding. However, commercialization is prohibited; all resulting mods and spin-offs must remain free and non-commercial. Despite this restriction, creations can be published on the Steam Store, appearing as independent games within the Steam game library.

Valve's decision stems from a deep respect for the TF2 community's contributions. A significant portion of the game's content originates from community-created items and Steam Workshop contributions. To maintain this integrity, Valve urges modders to refrain from creating content designed to profit from the community's work and encourages continued compatibility with existing TF2 inventories where feasible.

This significant update extends beyond TF2, encompassing Valve's entire back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles. DoD:S, HL2:DM, CS:S, and HLDM:S will also benefit from a substantial upgrade, including 64-bit binary support, enhanced scalability for HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other improvements.

This news follows the December release of the seventh and final installment of the Team Fortress 2 comic series, a seven-year journey that has consistently enriched the game's lore and demonstrated Valve's enduring commitment to this long-standing franchise.