The Source engine should've died a decade ago, but Valve kept finding ways to keep it alive
The Source engine, launched in 2004, has had an unusually long lifecycle, spanning nearly two decades. Initially developed for games like Counter-Strike and Half-Life 2, it became a foundation for many modders and game developers. Its legacy lies not just in its technical achievements, but in how it shaped the gaming industry and community.
- ▪The Source engine debuted in 2004 and was pivotal in the development of iconic games like Counter-Strike and Half-Life 2.
- ▪It served as a launchpad for many successful modders who transitioned into professional game development.
- ▪Despite being patched and extended for over a decade, the engine proved that a game engine could significantly outlive its original expectations.
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