(newbe) questions on Half Life2 SDK

[varchanger]

Hi!

I'm real new to Half Life modding (dint mod hl1) and wanted to ask some questions - would be cool if some of you could answer them:

1.) Can I totally change the gui of HL2 - can I make invetories (adventure - like) and stuff like that? Is this scriptable? or do you have to go deeper to do that (if its possible)

2.) Will the AI source code be published to public or only to some special mod teams (gabe N. said it will be shiped to modders - dont know what exactly he means).

3.) Can you make real NEW games with the SDK or can you just alter Hl2? What are the limitations?

(Sorry if some of the questions seem stupid to you)

I will have further qeustions...

THANKS to all who help me to understand that!!!!

[rec]

An SDK hasn't been released yet, for interests sake.

[ComradeBadger]

We don't know yet, but I'd put my bet on all 3 being correct.... unless you mean saleable games for No 3.

[MarmaladeMan]

I'm not exactly an expert authority on the subject, but it seems to me that:

1. Unless you're referring to the VGUI, which I'm not entirely familiar with, you should be able to make any modifications you want to different elements of the GUI, such as the HUD and a kind of inventory screen you're referring to.

2. When Gabe Newell said it would be shipped to modders, I believe he specified that it could be used as a reference for mod authors to generate their own AI programs. So I don't think the code itself can be used.

3. Your question here is a little ambiguous, depending on how you're defining "real/new" games. You can make what is effectively an entirely new game, but you're only altering variables, changing artwork, and adding code to an existing product. So you can't sell it. Your questions about limitations can more easily be addressed in the HL2 Source modding FAQ (http://collective.valve-erc.com/index.php?faq=source_mod_faq).