Team Fortress 2 Code Now Open Source

Valve's Source SDK receives a massive 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.

The update empowers creators to modify, expand, and even completely rewrite Team Fortress 2. While commercialization is prohibited – all creations must be free and non-commercial – the resulting games can be published on the Steam Store, appearing as independent titles within the Steam game library.

Valve's decision acknowledges the significant community contributions to TF2, particularly regarding in-game items and Steam Workshop content. They urge modders to respect this existing ecosystem and refrain from creating mods designed to profit from community-created assets. Ideally, mods will maintain compatibility with players' existing TF2 inventories.

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

The news follows the December release of the seventh and final update to the Team Fortress 2 comic series, a seven-year project that showcased Valve's ongoing commitment to this long-standing franchise and provided fans with rich lore and character development.