"SourceSDK Base - Orange Box" + SourceSDK, questions

[Przemek]

Hi!

I have noticed that "SourceSDK Base - Orange Box" is available for download. So I downloaded it and tested my mod with it (just a few maps, no coding) and yes, it allows mods to use the Source 2007 engine without even having bought the Orange Box.

That's great news, isn't it?

But I have a question now - since the SourceSDK requires -engine ep1 parameter to start up at all when modding for the old version of the engine, I thought I could now remove this switch and use the new SourceSDK.

Unfortunately, it doesn't start.

So my questions are:
1 - will it be possible in the future to directly mod for the new engine? I understand the code and Episode Two assets would not be available.
2 - are the build tools somehow enhanced in the new engine? Something new added? Something changed in the way they look during compilation, like vbsp?
3 - or should I normally use the SourceSDK in ep1 mode and just modify my gameinfo.txt to use the new engine? Will I have access to new entities in Hammer, like env_projectedtexture? Will the ep1 build tools (vbsp, vvis, vrad) understand what to do with such entity?

Thanks in advance!


edit - what the hell? Is this whole "Source Editing & Development" subforum dead or something? It's been like... hours and only 5 views? Come on! :O

 

[Barnz]

1. Yes. I think some of the EP2 content will be available for modders in the future.
2. Yes, there is tons of news (and improved/enhanced old) stuff, optimizations, etc.
3. I'd use the old engine and wait for the [full release], if I were you.

 

[Przemek]

I've heard all pre-Orange Box games will be updated to the ep2 engine - is this true?