Valve Releases Steamworks

Valve has announced the release of the Steamworks Software Development Kit, a suite of tools designed to give PC developers and publishers access to all the services and features offered by Steam.

The SDK includes support for product key authentication, copy protection, automatic updating, matchmaking and social networking, anti-cheat technology and more. A fully functional API for all Steamworks components is included, along with a multiplayer game example to demonstrate the Steamworks functions in action. New documentation for the SDK has also been made available on the Steamworks partner website.

"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 Valve's Director of Business Development Jason Holtman. "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."

First unveiled in January, the Steamworks toolkit is available free of charge, and may be used for both electronic and media-based game releases. More information about the SDK for Valve's popular online service can be found at partner. steamgames.com.