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 craft entirely new games using the source code. Unlike Steam Workshop or typical local mods, this grants modders unparalleled freedom to modify, expand, and even completely rewrite Team Fortress 2.
While commercialization is off the table—meaning any derived mods or games must be free and non-commercial—creations can still be published on the Steam Store, appearing as distinct games within Steam's game library.
In a blog post, Valve explained this decision, acknowledging the significant community investment in TF2 inventories and Steam Workshop content. The vast majority of in-game items are a testament to the community's hard work. To maintain this respect, Valve requests that TF2 modders refrain from creating mods designed to profit from Workshop contributors' efforts. Ideally, many mods will continue to allow players access to their TF2 inventories, where feasible.
This update also brings significant improvements to Valve's entire back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles. These improvements include crucial 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other enhancements benefiting 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 characters and storylines, but also as a symbol of Valve's enduring commitment to one of its longest-running franchises.
