By Jean Cyprien

Last night, Valve officially released [i]Source SDK[/i] via a Steam update, which will allow people to create their own games, levels, characters and vehicles based on the [i]Half-Life 2 Source[/i] engine. In addition, Valve also unveiled [i]Half-Life 2: Deathmatch[/i], a new multiplayer game featuring the physic simulation system. Complete details of the update are as follows:

-New multiplayer game featuring physics simulation system [i]Half-Life 2/Source SDK[/i]
-Includes game code needed to create [i]Half-Life 2/Source MODs[/i]
-New [i]Half-Life 2[/i] sample character model
-Ability to edit [i]Half-Life 2[/i] maps
-Maya model exporter
-3D Studio Max model exporter source code
-Sample MOD with vehicles Source Updates
-HTTP and non-HTTP map auto downloading functionality
-Enhanced dedicated server logging capabilities
-Various tweaks and fixes

Finally, a [i]Half-Life 2: Deathmatch[/i] Map Making Contest has also been announced. Winners of the contest will go on to receive a cash prize of $5,000. Two runner up entries will receive a cash prize of $3,000.