# S&box: The Next Evolution in Game Development by Facepunch Studios
S&box is an upcoming open-source game development platform set to be launched on April 28th, 2023. Developed by Facepunch Studios, a company co-founded by Garry Newman, the creator of the iconic Garry’s Mod, S&box leverages a modified version of the Source 2 engine. This project has been in the works since 2015, positioning itself as a spiritual successor to Garry’s Mod while expanding the capabilities of game creation.
## Features and Innovations
S&box is designed to be a robust tool for developers, offering an array of features aimed at simplifying the game development process. Key functionalities include:
– **Visual Scripting**: This allows developers to create game mechanics and interactions without the need for advanced programming skills, making it accessible to a broader audience.
– **Open World Terrain**: Developers can craft expansive worlds, enabling richer and more immersive gaming experiences.
– **Shader Creation**: The platform also provides tools for creating custom shaders, helping developers enhance the visual appeal of their games.
Additionally, S&box supports virtual reality (VR) development, broadening the scope for innovative gameplay experiences.
## Partnership with Valve
A significant milestone for S&box is the recent agreement between Facepunch Studios and Valve that permits creators to export their S&box projects as standalone games on Steam without any fees owed to Facepunch. Garry Newman shared this update through the project’s blog, emphasizing the complex journey that led to this arrangement and expressing enthusiasm about the community’s response.
Newman mentioned, “We signed the new license with Valve this week, allowing us to allow people to export games from S&box’s editor and ship them as standalone games on Steam without paying us anything.” This opens up new avenues for developers utilizing S&box, making it easier for them to publish their games and reach a wider audience.
## Upcoming Titles and Community Engagement
The first game expected to utilize S&box’s capabilities is **My Summer Cottage**, which draws inspiration from the popular game My Summer Car, described as a “ultimate Finnish life simulator.” Developers Small Fish confirmed on their Steam page that My Summer Cottage is powered by the S&box engine, indicating strong support for the new platform.
As Facepunch Studios continues refining S&box, they will pilot the platform with select developers to ensure a smooth rollout. This strategy not only helps them address any potential issues but also engages the community, keeping them informed and involved in the development process.
## Future Potential
With the rise of various game creation tools available on the market, S&box positions itself uniquely due to its connection with Garry’s Mod, a game that has fostered a dedicated community of modders and creators. The ease of publishing on Steam and the open-source nature of the platform are expected to attract a diverse group of developers.
For more information about S&box, developers and interested audiences can refer to the [public development roadmap](https://sbox.game/roadmap) and the [S&box Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/590830/sbox/). As the launch date approaches, the anticipation grows, and the gaming community eagerly awaits what innovations S&box will bring to the landscape of game development.
