Surprise! Valve has unleashed a massive update to the Source SDK, granting full access to the 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 possess the power to modify, expand, and even completely rewrite Team Fortress 2 in virtually any conceivable way.

While commercialization is prohibited—meaning any resulting mods or spin-offs must be freely distributed on a non-commercial basis—creations can be published on the Steam Store, appearing as distinct games within Steam's game library.

Valve's rationale, 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 community's hard work. Therefore, Valve requests that TF2 mod creators maintain this respect by refraining 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 also includes a significant overhaul for Valve's entire back-catalog of multiplayer Source engine titles. Key improvements include 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 series. 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 testament to Valve's enduring commitment to one of its longest-running franchises.