Team Fortress 2 Modders Rejoice as Valve Releases Full Client and Server Game Code

Surprise! Valve has unleashed a massive update to the Source SDK, generously including the complete Team Fortress 2 client and server game code. This opens the door for players to create entirely new games based on its source code. Unlike Steam Workshop modifications or local content mods, this update grants modders unprecedented freedom to alter, expand, and even completely rewrite Team Fortress 2 in virtually any conceivable way.

While commercialization is off the table—meaning any derivative content must be freely distributed on a non-commercial basis—creations can be published on the Steam Store, appearing as distinct entries within Steam's game library.

Valve's rationale, as explained in a blog post, centers on respecting the community's significant investment in TF2 inventories and the vast amount of content generated through Steam Workshop contributions. The company requests that TF2 mod creators maintain this respect, refraining from creating mods intended to profit from the efforts of Workshop contributors. Ideally, many mods will continue to offer players access to their TF2 inventories, where appropriate.

This update isn't limited to Team Fortress 2. Valve is also rolling out a substantial update across its back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles. This includes the addition of 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other enhancements benefiting TF2, DoD:S, HL2:DM, CS:S, and HLDM:S.

Following a seven-year hiatus, December saw the release of the seventh and final update to the Team Fortress 2 comic series. These comics have served as a rich source of information for fans, deepening their understanding of beloved characters and storylines, and simultaneously demonstrating Valve's enduring commitment to one of its longest-running franchises.