[mkohlmyr]

Most software or games companies..

Much like how software doesn't always ship with source code, games don't ship with source assets.

Normal maps are generated from high-polygon meshes that do not ship with the finished product.

Final textures are the result of psd files with layers, reference materials, alternative versions. These do not ship with the finished product.

Maps are compiled from a source format. E.g. vmf -> bsp. The vmf does not ship with the finished product.