Surprise! Valve has unleashed a massive update to the Source SDK, granting full access to the Team Fortress 2 client and server game code. This unprecedented move allows players to build entirely new games from the ground up, going far beyond the limitations of Steam Workshop or simple local mods. Modders now possess the power to modify, expand, and even completely rewrite Team Fortress 2 in virtually any conceivable way.
While commercialization is prohibited—meaning any derivative works must be freely distributed on a non-commercial basis—creations can be published on the Steam Store, appearing as distinct games within the Steam game library.
Valve's decision stems from a deep respect for the community's contributions: "Players have a lot of investment in their TF2 inventories, and Steam Workshop contributors have created a lot of that content," the company explained in a blog post. "The majority of items in the game now are thanks to the hard work of the TF2 community. To respect that, we're asking TF2 mod makers continue to respect that connection, and to not make mods that have the purpose of trying to profit off Workshop contributors' efforts. We're hoping that many mods will continue to allow players access their TF2 inventory, if this makes sense for the mod."
This expansive update isn't limited to Team Fortress 2. Valve is also rolling out a significant update across its entire back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles. This includes the addition of 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other improvements for Team Fortress 2, DoD:S, HL2:DM, CS:S, and HLDM:S.
The news arrives on the heels of December's release of the seventh and final update to the Team Fortress 2 comic, a seven-year-long saga that has captivated fans with its character development and storylines, underscoring Valve's enduring commitment to one of its flagship franchises.
