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.
While commercialization is off the table—meaning any derived mods or spin-off content 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 reasoning, as explained in a blog post, centers on respecting the significant community investment in TF2 inventories and Steam Workshop contributions. A vast majority of in-game items owe their existence to the TF2 community's dedication. To maintain this integrity, Valve requests that TF2 mod creators refrain from developing mods intended to profit from the efforts of Workshop contributors. Ideally, many mods would continue to allow players access to their TF2 inventories, where feasible.
This update also extends to Valve's entire back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles. A substantial update introduces 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other improvements across Team Fortress 2, 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. These comics have served not only as a rich source of information for fans, enriching their understanding of beloved characters and storylines, but also as a testament to Valve's enduring commitment to one of its longest-running franchises.
