Valve announces the Source 2 engine, which will be free to developers

#1

Valve has kickstarted its busy week at this year’s GDC, announcing Source 2 as well as revealing further plans for Steam Controllers, Steam Machines and announcing an all-new product, Steam Link.

Coming over ten years since its predecessor launched in 2004 with Counter-Strike: Source, the Source 2 engine will be available for free to developers. “The value of a platform like the PC is how much it increases the productivity of those who use the platform. With Source 2, our focus is increasing creator productivity,” said Valve’s Jay Stelly in an official press release.

“Given how important user generated content is becoming, Source 2 is designed not for just the professional developer, but enabling gamers themselves to participate in the creation and development of their favourite games. We will be making Source 2 available for free to content developers. This combined with recent announcements by Epic and Unity will help continue the PCs dominance as the premiere content authoring platform.”

The news comes alongside the announcement of Steam Link, a new device that allows streaming from any PC or Steam Machine at 1080p and 60Hz. It’ll be available from November - the same time the first Steam Machines from Alienware and Falcon Northwest are due - for $49.99. The Steam Controller will also be available then, and will also sell for $49.99. We’re currently awaiting details of European pricing.

Finally, Valve used the opportunity to reveal some more details on its new VR technology, which is being brought to market in partnership with HTC and the Vive headset. Valve’s VR solution makes the most of two new technologies - Lighthouse, a room scale tracking system, and a new VR input system. We’ll have more details on Valve’s VR and its Steam Machines tomorrow as its presence at GDC kicks off proper.

Eurogamer | Valve announces the Source 2 engine, which will be free to developers

Is this exciting news for you Half-Life mod devs?

#2

It will be interesting how they position Source 2 considering the landscape for game engines has greatly changed since Source originally came out. Back then making mods was the thing to do, but now you can do so much more with full engine support and even release the games commercially.

I hope that they follow a similar model as UE4, keeping it free with an inexpensive royalty model if anything. Including source code would also be nice.

#3

I remember what happened just after they announced their last engine :smile:

Actually quite interested in Steam Link. Too many of these stream devices can’t do 60fps which has put me off them.

#4

I have a perfectly capable PC sitting in my back room that I’d love to play Steam games on, but enjoy my comfy couch too much.

#5

#6

No idea about source code, but no fees whatsoever. Just have to put your game up on Steam (which will obviously have its 30% share of revenues going to Valve).

#7

Is it a requirement? Would kind of suck for alternative markets like GoG. Though Steam is where most people buy games anyways.

From the wording, it doesn’t sound like they are making the engine available like UE4 and Unity 5 are, but instead they are sticking to the status quo and only enabling people who want to make games and release on Steam.

Have they announced anything about the features of Source 2? What makes it better other than familiarity? UE4 has a very comprehensive suite of tools and Blueprints look awesome. Unity 5 has a full set of tools as well and the assets to boot.

#8

It is a requirement, but it isn’t a Steam exclusivity requirement. So you can also put your game up on Humble Bundle, GoG, uPlay, Origin, or any other storefront you wish to.

Source 2 seems to be targeting ease-of-use tools and entry-level requirements and fees. That’s at least the vibe I’ve personally pieced together over the years of statements. A modder or indie developer’s playhouse.

#9

Have you used UE4 or Unity before? I’ve never really heard anyone say Source was easy to use but at least with Unity many claim it is easy to get started.

#10

Source was easy to use (for its time). It was overtaken in that department by UE, Unity, and Cryengine and the like.

And I’ve played around with the UDK a little bit. Downloaded UE4 and may play with that in my free time in the coming months.