Support NeoGAF

[Delusibeta]

I suspect that this will also serve as a beta test for opening up the upload procedure. Next stop, open Steamworks.

(Also: 24 hour window for no-quibble refunds is nice, and should be rolled out to the main store ASAP)

 

[Terra_Ex]

No problems with this, in fact more devs should be embracing modding rather than battening down the hatches on their technology. I can certainly foresee some issues however, some mod users are incapable of merely perusing a readme document, as soon as money enters the equation, I'm sure prospecting authors will have their fair share of headaches. Mod piracy and one user stealing/repacking another modder's work as their own sound like disasters in the making though.

 

[LurkerPrime]

The death of modding starts with monetisation. I'm not looking forward to paying the $400 for the collective works in the Immersive Armor & Weapon mods, plus whatever it costs to fix the UI and get stuff like that weather mod working.

Oh well. Nothing lasts forever, I guess.

 

[Durante]

I get why people might want this in principle, but it feels like a disaster in the making. Depending on how embraced it is, it could basically kill the modding scene on these kinds of games.

I dunno. I'll watch and see what happens, but it feels like there's a lot to lose here and relatively little to gain (since the audience willing to pay for mods on a 4 year old game cannot be very large).

If you are right and the audience willing to pay for mods is tiny, then nothing will change about modding. If the audience is large, then there will be more professional and well-funded mods.

I don't really see any way this could lead to a "disaster".

Well, right. But I mean, Valve is still managing the marketplace, right? They're providing an avenue for people to sell their mods, so they're still going to have to be the gatekeepers on this stuff, right? If someone puts out a half finished or broken mod, how is that going to be handled, especially when the issue is money changing hands or even proving that there's anything wrong with the mod?

That's what makes this all really interesting and dangerous. They are opening up a storefront for game material that has a very high chance of completely nuking your game if you don't know what you're doing. I think that's going to require a bit more than a sign saying "no refunds". I just don't see how Valve can stay out of it in the lion's share of disputes.

I would assume Valve's support for any such issues starts and ends with the 24 hour refund period. Beyond that, people need to make their own purchasing decisions (and do their own research). I think that is perfectly viable.

 

[_machine]

Well, right. But I mean, Valve is still managing the marketplace, right? They're providing an avenue for people to sell their mods, so they're still going to have to be the gatekeepers on this stuff, right? If someone puts out a half finished or broken mod, how is that going to be handled, especially when the issue is money changing hands or even proving that there's anything wrong with the mod?

Most likely not in the extent that you believe. They are already very stretched on customer support so I think they will step in only in the most severe cases (and cases that could lead to legal issues). It will no doubt be a wild land of poor mods as well, but it should also lead to more community involvement and community driven quality control.

 

[HalfwayOrb]

This is good in a way... It could promote much larger mod efforts... but at the same time I can also see this as kind of fragmenting people. A lot of people are going to take their existing mods, shove them on there for a dollar, and remove them from places you could get them for free (like Nexus).

This could end up causing some ill-will amongst the modding community in general... guess it's kind of a wait and see thing.

This is what I'm afraid of.

 

[MUnited83]

Also question the legality of this. They're modifying and profiting off a property somebody else owns. Is Bethesda on board with it in regards to Skyrim/Fallout?

Is this a real questionar?LOL

 

[ZombieSupaStar]

I would have paid 50 for fallout wanderers edition it made fallout 3 so much better. Oscuros oblivion overhaul as well.

 

[Zia]

This is great for hardworking modders and should attract more talented people to the scene, but what happens when a formerly free mod that people have installed goes paid?

Also, I'm curious to see how Valve integrates this into their own games. Could be the monetization route they take for Dota 2's custom game modes. Could also seriously shit up TF2.

 

[NoblesseOblige]

Also some mods are super incompatible with other mods. Is there some sort of check Valve has in place to inform a customer of compatibility issues prior to them purchasing something?

Edit:

Is this a real questionar?LOL

If John Deere can go after people for modifying their lawn mowers then what's stopping Bethesda (who has a track record of chasing things of a trivial nature)?

Edit 2:

Seems property owner gets a chunk of the mod sale? I must have missed that part.

 

[strafer]

Guess that Oblivion remake will cost 60 bucks now.

 

[ashecitism]

Facepunch is getting really angry too

 

[cloudzack117]

man fuck this. first its dlc shit, then its cutting stuff off the discs to charge as dlc, then awful online passes, season passes, pre order bullshit and now we have to start paying for FUCKING MODS?!?!?!?

fuck this industry

 

[Durante]

I suspect that this will also serve as a beta test for opening up the upload procedure. Next stop, open Steamworks.

Hopefully. It's the future.

 

[Kinthalis]

As for developers making mods in their free time: YES

As for any other people: NO


this could destroy modding

What? How would this destroy modding?

If anything it's going to improve it. You're going to see a huge improvement in the quality and ambitiousness of mods for Skyrim (and hopefully Fallout 4 when that inevitably hits).

Modders who want to make free mods will still be able to do so.

 

[lazygecko]

Also some mods are super incompatible with other mods. Is there some sort of check Valve has in place to inform a customer of compatibility issues prior to them purchasing something?

I think moreso than ever the Steam Workshop for Skyrim will need to be significantly updated to handle these issues more efficiently like you can on Nexus and with third party tools.

 

[Sendou]

Really disgusting to read some reactions to this (mainly comments on Steam to mods charging money). So incredibly toxic, shortsighted and entitled.

Facepunch is getting really angry too

That on the other hand is way too low. 75% split between Bethesda and Valve? Come on.

 

[Odah]

What? How would this destroy modding?

If anything it's going to improve it. You're going to see a huge improvement in the quality and ambitiousness of mods for Skyrim (and hopefully Fallout 4 when that inevitably hits).

Modders who want to make free mods will still be able to do so.

Yeah it sounds awesome, but idk. Nowadays everything seems to get monitized. I don't like this

 

[zephervack]

I really hope this results in better mods and not people charging money for mods that would have been free otherwise.

 

[Yarbskoo]

I feel like this is going to have some pretty serious consequences for the modding community and how both creators and players view modding as a whole.

In practice, this is probably just going to convince me to download fewer mods. I can think of very few Skyrim mods that I have downloaded that I would actually pay for.

 

[Tomat]

Can't wait to buy some horse armor.

 

[Hakkelus]

Well.. Has to be pretty spectacular mod for me to pay even 0,10 euros for it.

 

[SliceSabre]

While I like the idea I fully admit I'm not a not a person who would ever pay for a mod.

I mean mods that become full games in and off themselves yea, but like a mod to make there be more plants in New Vegas and add different Hardmode mechanics? Nope. My greatest fear is that a ton of mods end up being paid or how do you get your money back on a mod that simply does not work at all? And don't say Steam customer support because anybody who actually uses Steam knows using their customer support is like pissing in the wind.

 

[MUnited83]

Also some mods are super incompatible with other mods. Is there some sort of check Valve has in place to inform a customer of compatibility issues prior to them purchasing something?

Edit:



If John Deere can go after people for modifying their lawn mowers then what's stopping Bethesda (who has a track record of chasing things of a trivial nature)?

You don't get that this is a oficial feature supported and created by Bethesda? Valve didnt randomly decided to do this. This has been worked on with Bethesda incentive and Valve's help. Not sure how the hell you think this would be a thing otherwise.

 

[Sendou]

I really hope this results in better mods and not people charging money for mods that would have been free otherwise.

Well at the beginning modders will test waters with all kind of propositions I think. Then I bet it won't take quickly for the community to learn what kind of mods people will pay for and what not.

 

[Durante]

Why are half the posts in this thread seemingly arguing about or reacting to a future where every single mod is paid and free mods no longer exist?

Well at the beginning modders will test waters with all kind of propositions I think. Then I bet it won't take quickly for the community to learn what kind of mods people will pay for and what not.

Exactly.

 

[CarbonatedFalcon]

Without elaborating (would be a long post I don't have time for right now) - I'm kind of torn. But overall I think this is a bad move that is too open to abuse and undermines the spirit of modding. Not that hard work for great content shouldn't be rewarded, but this isn't the right format.

It'd be better if it was just a Steam certified tip jar - pay what you want for everything, before or after you play (more than it appears to be in some cases already).

 

[NoblesseOblige]

I really hope this results in better mods and not people charging money for mods that would have been free otherwise.

Skyrim's Wet & Cold has been free for years. Now they're asking people to uninstall and buy it (for $4.99).

You don't get that this is a oficial feature supported and created by Bethesda? Valve didnt randomly decided to do this. This has been worked on with Bethesda incentive and Valve's help. Not sure how the hell you think this would be a thing otherwise.

You missed my edit, but yeah, I missed the part of Bethesda endorsing it. Hence me asking originally, and instead of answering you decided to be an ass about it. Thanks for the late confirmation anyway, though.

 

[Lingitiz]

Ideally this is a good move for bigger mod projects. Going on the store right now though nothing on that Skyrim paid page makes me want to pay at all. It just looks like weapons and armor that should be free. I hope the market will correct itself over time and weed out the substantial stuff from the menial stuff that should be free like any other mod.

 

[Tenebrous]

This is pretty cool. I've no interest in Skyrim or mods for Skyrim, but I'm totally fine with supporting hard work for games I do enjoy.

 

[epmode]

If John Deere can go after people for modifying their lawn mowers then what's stopping Bethesda (who has a track record of chasing things of a trivial nature)?

Edit 2:

Seems property owner gets a chunk of the mod sale? I must have missed that part.

Yeah, this feature was obviously cleared by Bethesda or it wouldn't have happened.

I think it's a good idea but I'm concerned about people trying to seal revenue by repackaging existing mods.

 

[MUnited83]

man fuck this. first its dlc shit, then its cutting stuff off the discs to charge as dlc, then awful online passes, season passes, pre order bullshit and now we have to start paying for FUCKING MODS?!?!?!?

fuck this industry

Fuck paying people for content that they created, am i rite bruh? There will still be lots of free mods, calm the hell down.

 

[Zia]

Skyrim's Wet & Cold has been free for years. Now they're asking people to uninstall and buy it.



You missed my edit, but yeah, I missed the part of Bethesda endorsing it. Hence me asking originally, and instead of you answering you decided to be a wise ass. Thanks anyway, though.

Well, that answers my question. Kind of feel as if people should've been grandfathered in, but I guess that's asking a lot.

 

[Corpekata]

I'm not a huge fan of this but I think some people are going too chicken little. Established, well known quality mod authors will probably get some value from it as they are known quantities, but mods generally by design need massive word of mouth to spread, which is a lot harder if it is not free.

I'm all for the Mart's and the Darnifieds on the world getting a few bucks, and they probably deserve it. Ain't nobody going to play Baby's first mod starring Kevin the Hedgehog if you want to charge 5 bucks for it.

 

[Kinthalis]

Yeah it sounds awesome, but idk. Nowadays everything seems to get monitized. I don't like this

I feel like this is going to have some pretty serious consequences for the modding community and how both creators and players view modding as a whole.

In practice, this is probably just going to convince me to download fewer mods. I can think of very few Skyrim mods that I have downloaded that I would actually pay for.

Well, yes, that's because they couldn't charge you. These are labors of love, made with spent free time, and usually by a single person.

Modders aren't stupid. And if some of them have unrealistic expectations, they will all quickly realize that if they want to charge $5, they can't release some horse armor (heh) mod. Money means modders will get something tangible for their time and talent. It means it's going to be easier to find other talented people willing to collaborate (because they too might get paid). And that means better mods, and more mods that you just might be willing to pay for.

It also means that there will continue to be plenty of free mods as well.

 

[DOBERMAN INC]

The is a good move for the large mods but any of the small mods that go to pay I guess I'll wait for the NEXUS guys to convert it to NMM for free.

 

[MUnited83]

Skyrim's Wet & Cold has been free for years. Now they're asking people to uninstall and buy it.



You missed my edit, but yeah, I missed the part of Bethesda endorsing it. Hence me asking originally, and instead of answering you decided to be an ass about it. Thanks for the late confirmation anyway, though.

Should have been obvious by reading the OP(or just having common sense)

 

[SteveWinwood]

I look forward to different modders trying different things to see what works and those experiments being used as ammo in a "zomg mods nickel and diming video games destroyed digital death" argument that doesn't make any sense

 

[johntown]

I don't really see any way this could lead to a "disaster".

If everyone with a semi popular mod starts charging for it could be a disaster.

Why wouldn't someone want to charge something for the mod they have made (given the option)? Sure there are a few people who like the idea of free sharing etc. but if everyone takes the I am going to charge for my mod attitude then it will be a disaster and the end of free quality mods.

Sure a positive is that you could get some very high quality mods but I would rather have a free un-optimized mod then a paid one that runs a little better anyday.

 

[Giever]

Sounds fine to me as long as people are actually held accountable to what they say they're offering, since they'd be selling it.

 

[Dr. Zoidberg]

I don't think I "trust" mods enough to ever pay for one unless it has a ton of positive feedback. This is an area where people do a lot of experimentation mainly because it's free. If that experimentation now has money on the line a lot of people will just stick to free mods. I think it will be very interesting to see who can actually get away with charging and who will have to go back to free or pay-what-you-want in the long-run.

 

[zephervack]

Skyrim's Wet & Cold has been free for years. Now they're asking people to uninstall and buy it (for $4.99).

That was fast .

 

[Sendou]

I don't think I "trust" mods enough to ever pay for one unless it has a ton of positive feedback.

I mean that's why they have the 24 hours refund policy as detailed in the OP.

 

[Stranger In The Alps]

A lot of people are going to take their existing mods, shove them on there for a dollar, and remove them from places you could get them for free (like Nexus).

This is exactly what I am afraid of, and I cannot see this as anything but a bad thing.

 

[KojiKnight]

Skyrim's Wet & Cold has been free for years. Now they're asking people to uninstall and buy it (for $4.99).



You missed my edit, but yeah, I missed the part of Bethesda endorsing it. Hence me asking originally, and instead of answering you decided to be an ass about it. Thanks for the late confirmation anyway, though.

It has begun...

 

[Spookie]

Seems like a great idea, though it's going to be a weird time while the market works out the value of items.

Not sure why everyone is screaming slippery slope. Fuck tonne of overreactions in here.

 

[RulkezX]

Is the Workshop mod size limit being removed?

I can't see this ending well, in fact it's pretty much the death of the Skyrim Mod scene. Nothing worth having is going to free and unmodded Skyrim isn't worth playing.

Id imagine modders are scrambling to get their shit off Nexus now.

 

[NoblesseOblige]

Should have been obvious by reading the OP(or just having common sense)

If you say so, and answering a simple question instead of acting like a prick requires just some common decency. Seems we're both lacking in something. In any case, I see this being the start of early access for mods. Now we can enjoy sifting for a diamond in a mountain of crap. Unless Valve has actually implemented some sort of quality control in this (doubtful).

 

[Zel3]

Wow this is bad on so many levels. Sites like Nexus are going to be a wasteland as soon as everyone starts monetizing their mods. At least we still have Oblivion and Morrowind.

 

[Nzyme32]

Great stuff!! Once the market settles and they work through any kinks, this could really help push what modders do with the game and the time they dedicate to it.