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Portal 2 Authoring Tools Beta Released

Posted by Soulskill on from the contribute-to-science dept.

Valve has announced the beta release of a set of authoring tools for Portal 2, allowing users to create their own puzzles and challenges in the name of science. "The Portal 2 Authoring Tools include versions of the same tools we used to make Portal 2. They'll allow you to create your own singleplayer and co-op maps, new character skins, 3D models, sound effects, and music." The tools are available for free to anyone who owns the PC version of the game.

4 of 47 comments (clear)

  1. Just in time... by HawaiianToast · · Score: 2

    Bin Laden's Hideout should be available in all games.

  2. More challenge by traindirector · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Like you, I really enjoyed the more difficult puzzles in Narbacular Drop and Portal.

    When I finished the story mode in the original Portal, I immediately went on to some of the packed-in challenge chambers and modes for some more complex puzzle solving with portals.

    When I finished the story mode in Portal 2, I looked for the more challenging content and found... nothing. It seemed like quite an oversight at first not to even include a feature like that that was in the original game.

    I get the feeling it's more difficult to create a good puzzle in Portal than in most puzzle games. Here's hoping that the community will quickly fill that gap with some high-quality puzzles.

  3. Made for consoles by PhrostyMcByte · · Score: 2

    Portal 2 was made with casual console gamers in mind -- you probably noticed that those tricks in Portal that required good reflexes and precise aim are gone. Now all the challenges really just involve figuring out the order to place portals, with lots of auto-aim to help you hit the right spots. It removed most of the skill from the game and left only the puzzle solving.

    Don't get me wrong, the later challenges were for the most part fun and reasonably difficult. I'm just looking forward to seeing some made-for-PC custom maps. There's a lot of room for variety and difficulty.

  4. The possibilities are endless! by Rhacman · · Score: 3, Funny

    Great! Now I can work on my brilliant map idea where you redirect tub-girl's 'propulsion gel' so that you can accelerate up the ramp to the goatse exit! If I can get the map done in less than half an hour I might be the first person to post it!

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