Valve Unleashes TF2 Modding Revolution with Client and Server Code

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.

This open-source access empowers creators to modify, expand, and even completely rewrite Team Fortress 2. However, Valve emphasizes a non-commercial restriction: any resulting mods or derivative works must be freely distributed. Despite this, creations can be published on the Steam Store, listed as independent games.

Valve's decision acknowledges the significant community contributions to TF2, particularly regarding in-game items. They encourage modders to respect this existing player investment and refrain from creating mods intended to profit from community-created content. Ideally, mods would maintain compatibility with players' existing TF2 inventories.

This update isn't limited to TF2. Valve is also rolling out a substantial update to its entire back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine games. This includes vital improvements such as 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other enhancements across titles like DoD:S, HL2:DM, CS:S, and HLDM:S.

The news follows the December release of the final chapter in the long-running Team Fortress 2 comic series, a seven-year endeavor that highlights Valve's ongoing commitment to this classic franchise.