Left 4 Dead 2 Authoring Tools and SDK
Looks like Santa Valve has released the L4D2 authoring tools to all the nice boys and girls. Well, Valve released the authoring and Add on support tools to everybody, but it’s the thought that counts. The authoring tools allow players to create/and or play custom content for Left 4 Dead 2.
How to install Left 4 Dead 2 Add-On Support:
Go into steam and open up the Tools tab. Look for the entry labeled Left 4 Dead 2 – Add-on Support; Click and install it. The download is a bit on the large side, but it will update the L4D2 installation to allow running ANY map, including custom maps made for the original Left 4 Dead. Thats it; once the Add On support is installed, you do not need to run it. Now you can use all of those custom Left 4 Dead maps again; Although there is no word on how it is done on the server side.
TL:DR If you just want to play custom content, only install the L4D2 Add-On Support.
How to install Left 4 Dead 2 Authoring Tools:
You Left 4 Dead 2 designers out there will have to install the L4D2 Add-On support package along with the Left 4 Dead 2 – Authoring Tools.The Authoring Tools will add applications, examples and other files that will help build L4D2 add-ons. A few of the useful ones:
- Gamemode Logic
- Director Logic
- Scavenge Mode Support
The Gamemode logic allows designers to make a single map that behaves differently depending on the gamemode. The L4D2 Director logic module can allow the director A.I. to change the map depending on how “angry” he gets. If you are looking for more information on the Left 4 Dead 2 authoring tools, hit up the L4D blog.
