Current events

Sin Episodes SDK released

27 Jul: This seems to be the week of SDK updates. The first SDK release for Sin Episodes is now available from the Tools page in Steam. Currently, it supports the applications available in the generic Source SDK (Hammer/Model Viwer/Face Poser), but game code is not yet accessible. This will be added in the next SDK update, per the release notes.

Ritual has also put together their own editing wiki for Sin Episodes-specific content.

SDK update contents confirmed

27 Jul: The contents of the new SDK update, due out in beta this week unless something goes horribly wrong, have been confirmed by Mike Durand on the hlcoders mailing list.

What This Release Has

Lots of source code updates from the Episode 1 production code

Hammer, Faceposer, Model Viewer updates

Access to the Ep1 version of the Source Engine binaries

What It Doesn't Have

Visual Studio 2005 Support (it will be in the next SDK release)

Improved server plugins for bots (on my to-do list)

Anything from Episode 2, Portal, Team Fortress [2]

SDK update this week!

26 Jul: It's currently one year, seven weeks, and six days since the last SDK code update. But fret not:

An SDK update is coming out very soon. Right now we are testing it in-house and getting ready for its beta release. It will be available later this week unless we encounter serious problems during testing. I'll let people know either way, whether it is going to be this week or next. Once I get all of the details together, I'll send the info on what is coming in this SDK release to this list.

I [Mike Durand] started work here in June and have been given the task of working directly with the MOD community. This means that my primary responsibilities are to package and release the SDK, make it easier to use, and work with MOD makers on problems that they can't solve with the help of other members of the community.

Join the hlcoders mailing list for the latest news.

Team Fortress 2 Trailer Released

19 July: Valve has recently released a trailer of the highly-anticipated Team Fortress 2. It is available on gamespot.

Nigredo After some Australian Developers

16 Jul: Nigredo Studios is after some Australian Source SDK users to help build the prototype game to their first upcoming commercial Source title, Prime. All work is paid and will be done from their Norwest Office in Baulkham Hills Sydney. For more information on the game and employment, see http://www.nigredostudios.com/work.

Work will be a minimum of 2 months on the prototype, and then up to 18 months of full time development, once a publisher is obtained.

Valve make multiple announcements at EA conference

14 Jul: Source

• Team Fortress 2 is back, and will ship as the multi-player component of Episode Two.
• A new single-player game, Portal, will also ship with Ep2.
• Ep2 will launch simultaneously on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.
• A former WETA employee is building a "cinematic physics" system for Source
  • Source is also receiving "new particle systems, better foliage, and more".

The Atharon Conspiracy

13 Jul: From May to November 2005 a shady group of con artists ran an attempt to trick modders into developing a game for free. ModDB investigates the twists and turns of The Atharon Conspiracy.

After a month-long hiatus, The Atharon Conspiracy is now back online for anyone who didn't get the chance to see it the first time.

http://moddb.com/images/features/25/251/promo.jpg Read the article at steamreview.org

HL2 Mod Team Coordinating

10 Jul: Tatsur0 from Zombie Panic: Source is kick starting a new Mod HQ column, the Developer Blog, by explaining what in his experience is the best way to coordinate a team working on a Half-Life 2 modification. Read it here & stay tuned for more entries by other respected community members.

Episode One Critique

9 Jul: Don't miss this 45-minute critique of Episode One by "Mark", covering various aspects of the episode's story, presentation and meaning.

The Battle Grounds 1 Final released

4 Jul: Battle Grounds, the long awaited revolutionary war mod for Half-Life 1 is now complete. The so called Battle Grounds 1.0f (final) has been released on Independence Day. Go to the official Battle Grounds Website for more information and the live mirror list.

Note:This mod is for HL1, not Source!

The Ship for Preload

26 Jun: The Ship (Source), eagerly awaited by many, has been made available for purchase and pre-load on Steam. See the store page for more information.

SiN: Episodes Arena Mode

26 Jun: SiN Episodes Patch Released - Arena Mode Out Now! http://www.ritualistic.com/