Valve has finally announced the release of the Steamworks software development kit originally hyped back in
January.
The Steamworks SDK is a suite of tools aimed at helping independant developers who want to help get their game off the ground using a similar digital distribution model to Steam. The SDK includes a whole host of tools for helping to get games published online and, best of all, is completely free to download and use.
Steamworks includes plenty of features considered key to Valve's Steam service, including anti-piracy product key authentication, copy protection services, auto updating facilities and anti-cheat software similar to VAC.
For gamers, the Steamworks SDK also includes a robust social networking framework, match-making tools and statistics tracking.
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In working with developers on the pre-release SDK, our focus has been on making it as easy as possible for them to integrate Steamworks into their games," said Jason Holtman, director of business development at Valve.
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They get access to these tools and services in a proven, scalable, and simple to work with package that has already been deployed to millions of gamers worldwide."
Planning on making a game?
We certainly are and Steamworks could be just the ticket. Let us know what you think in
the forums.
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