Valve’s newest Supply SDK replace accommodates the total consumer and server code for TF2. The corporate has additionally confirmed that basic Supply Engine titles will quickly acquire 64-bit binary assist.
Let’s begin with the Crew Fortress 2 information, as that is extra prescient than the 64-bit factor. Builders can now entry the TF2 sport supply code without cost via the Supply SDK, that means that sport mods and community-led bugfixes are way more viable than ever earlier than.
And, importantly, the TF2 sport supply code can be utilized to create all-new video games which may be accepted to the Steam Retailer on a non-commercial foundation. For those who’re accustomed to Valve’s Source Engine, then the drill—that is how we received video games like Black Mesa. There are already a handful of TF2 fan video games floating round, together with Team Fortress 2 Classic, however they’re primarily based on leaked supply code and had been beforehand barred from the Steam Retailer (really, “snubbed” is likely to be a extra correct description than “barred”).
It is nice to see that the neighborhood is being granted extra management over TF2’s legacy. Nonetheless, Valve’s resolution to carry 64-bit assist to basic Supply Engine multiplayer video games is probably the most fascinating a part of this story.
Traditional video games like DoD:S, HL2:DM, CS:S, and HLDM:S by no means joined the 64-bit bandwagon (TF2 went 64-bit in mid-2024). In consequence, these video games cannot take full benefit of contemporary laptop {hardware} or graphics APIs (equivalent to Vulkan, Steel, or DirectX 12), they usually do not work on any model of macOS after Catalina 10.15.
The transition to 64-bit opens the door to improved platform compatibility and sport stability. Previous Supply Engine video games, when up to date to the 64-bit binary, will probably be free of longstanding RAM and CPU limitations and may run far quicker on trendy {hardware}. We also needs to see assist for contemporary graphics APIs, although I assume that these APIs will solely be carried out for compatibility functions (the 64-bit model of TF2 added Vulkan for improved Linux and Steam Deck compatibility).
As for macOS compatibility—eh, that is anyone’s guess. Previous Supply Engine video games working in 64-bit must be simpler to run on macOS via CrossOver or Wine, however until Valve is prepared to construct full Steel assist, I do not see these video games returning to Mac in any significant manner.
For those who wish to learn documentation, go take a look at the Valve Developer Communityor source-sdk-2023 repo. I ought to make clear that Supply SDK already contained sport code for HL2 and HL2:DM—these aren’t new additions.
Supply: Valve