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 or standard local mods, this update grants modders unprecedented freedom to modify, expand, and even completely rewrite Team Fortress 2 in any conceivable way.

While commercialization is off the table—meaning any derivative works must be free and non-commercial—creations can still be published on the Steam Store, appearing as distinct games within the Steam game library.

In a blog post, Valve explained this decision, stating, "Players have significantly invested in their TF2 inventories, and Steam Workshop contributors have created a vast amount of content. The majority of items in the game are thanks to the hard work of the TF2 community. To respect this, we're asking TF2 mod makers to continue respecting that connection and to refrain from creating mods intended to profit from Workshop contributors' efforts. We hope many mods will continue to allow players access to their TF2 inventory, where appropriate."

This update also brings significant improvements to Valve's entire back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles. A major update introduces 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other enhancements to 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 not only provided fans with rich lore and character development but also served as a testament to Valve's enduring commitment to one of its most beloved franchises.