The Source Software Development Kit (SDK) is Valve’s technology that’s been used to bring unforgettable games like Half-Life 2, Portal and Left 4 Dead — available for Mac, PC and other platforms, thanks to Valve’s introduction of Steam to the Mac in 2010. Valve founder Gabe Newell says that Valve is making Source easier to use.

Speaking in the latest Steamcast, Newell said: “We’re spending a tremendous amount of time on tools right now. Our current tools are very painful, so we probably are spending more time on tools development now than anything else, and when we’re ready to ship those I think everybody’s life will get a lot better.”

This is especially good news for third-party developers that license the technology, and it could have positive consequences for future Mac game development, now that Valve is supporting the platform (and actively encouraging its Steam licensing partners to do the same).

Valve Will “Simplify” Source SDK [Edge Magazine]