Source engine Archives

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Valve releases Team Fortress 2 source code

Valve has released the complete client and server code for Team Fortress 2 (TF2) as part of its Source engine Software Development Kit (SDK), allowing developers to create game modifications. The SDK enables fans to "change, extend or rewrite" the TF2 experience, but all modifications must be non-commercial and offered free of charge. TF2 mods can be published on the Steam Store as new games. Valve emphasizes the importance of respecting community contributions and encourages mod creators to integrate community-driven content with the new modifications while honoring the work of Workshop contributors.

AppWizard

February 5, 2025

EA reverses course on Apex Legends sequel

Electronic Arts (EA) plans a significant update for Apex Legends, potentially called 'Apex 2.0', as hinted by CEO Andrew Wilson during an investor discussion. This announcement follows a decline in net bookings for the game, which has over 200 million players since its 2019 launch. Wilson emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing player experience and indicated that the update will likely occur after the launch of Battlefield Labs, expected before April 2026. The game is set to transition to a more modern engine, moving away from the current modified version of Valve's Source engine, and aims to improve server tick rates. EA also plans to expand the Apex franchise to support both competitive players and new communities.

AppWizard

December 12, 2024

Can’t wait for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2? Sink your teeth into the prequel mod instead

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has faced numerous delays and resets, raising concerns about its potential launch state. The original Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines remains popular due to unofficial patches from modder Wesp5. The modding community is actively involved in projects like VTMB Prelude, which explores events leading to the original game. In Prelude II, players take on the role of a human vampire hunter from the Society of Leopold. The first episode featured new levels, dialogue, and boss fights, while the trailer for Prelude II highlights impressive environmental design using Valve's Source Engine. Prelude is developed by modders EntenSchreck, Hareishan, and Wesp5, who contributed to the Unofficial Patch. Prelude II is in Early Access and aims for refinement before the final episode, while anticipation for Bloodlines 2 remains high.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

Windows 11 for Arm can run natively on specific Android smartphones — the test device heats up very fast, and battery life substantially decreases

User anh0l demonstrated running Windows 11 on Arm from a Xiaomi Poco X3 smartphone, which retains a split partition for Android and has a functioning UEFI. Users reported touchscreen control issues, particularly with inverted functionality on the right side, and temperature spikes reaching approximately 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) during testing. Other Android smartphones have also experienced similar temperature levels. The Xiaomi Poco X3 can run Valve's retired Source engine at 30 FPS but struggles with Source 2-based Counter-Strike 2. Compatibility is better with Snapdragon 800 Series or newer CPUs, while older models are less effective. The shared architecture between Snapdragon CPUs in Windows Arm laptops and Android devices allows for this crossover, though driver support is incomplete. Despite high temperatures, anh0l claims the experience "runs flawlessly," with web browsing and basic Blender animations functioning smoothly at 120 Hz, impacting battery life and device temperature.

AppWizard

November 16, 2024

These are the lasting things that Half-Life 2 gave us, besides headcrabs and crowbars

Half-Life 2 was released on November 16, 2004, and is recognized for redefining the first-person shooter genre and setting new standards for storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Gabe Newell, founder of Valve Software, emphasized the importance of innovation in game development, expressing disdain for mediocrity. The Collector’s Edition of Half-Life 2 contained 2.6GB of files, showcasing its extensive content. The Source engine, developed during the original Half-Life, allowed for continuous improvements and was used in iconic games like Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Portal 1/2, and Left 4 Dead. The open Source code tools have enabled many aspiring developers to contribute to the gaming industry.