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 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 have the power to modify, expand, and even completely rewrite Team Fortress 2 in virtually any conceivable way.

While commercialization is off the table—meaning any derived mods or spin-off content must be free and non-commercial—creations can be published on the Steam Store, appearing as distinct games within the Steam game library.

Valve's reasoning is clear: "Players have a significant investment in their TF2 inventories, and Steam Workshop contributors have created a vast amount of content," they explained in a blog post. "The majority of items in the game are thanks to the community's hard work." To maintain this integrity, Valve requests that TF2 mod creators respect this existing contribution and refrain from creating mods designed to profit from the efforts of Workshop contributors. Ideally, many mods will continue to allow players access to their TF2 inventories, where appropriate.

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

Following seven years of anticipation, 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 lore and character development for fans, but also as a testament to Valve's enduring commitment to one of its most cherished franchises.