The world of gaming mods is massive. Some of the most popular games in the world have massive mods.
Let’s explore what gaming mods are and check out a few of the popular ones.
What are Gaming Mods?
“Mod” is short for modification. A gaming mod refers to an alteration in the original game. This could be the entire game, parts of the game, or tools or characters within the game.
Mods can vary is size and scope, as well as impact on the play.
Some mods are minor, others are way more robust.
Let’s have a look at types of mods:
Content Additions and Alterations
Mods can add or alter content. This can be as massive as a new character or storyline, or it can be a more humble change to graphics are sound.
Improvements and Fixes
Many mods focus on improving the game through fixing known bugs. These mods gain notoriety in particularly frustrating cases where the developer is slow to fix or alter a popular complaint.
Gamplay Changes
In some cases, a mod may alter the way a game is played entirely. This could be the addition of a new game mod or a unique approach to storytelling.
Fan Content
Some gamers feel they know best so they create mods which support their ideas.
Graphics
These can be simple graphics changes to more potent ones. Graphics mods are particularly popular with old legacy games.
In the end, mods are super popular and have their own following within the gaming community.
But what do gaming developers think about mods?
Do Game Developers Support Mods?
This depends on the developer. Some game developers are down with mods as they see them as increasing the game’s popularity. While others have specific restrictions in place.
Some mods become so popular that they influence the developer on future projects. For example, the popular game Counter Strike began as a mod for the game, Half-Life. That’s pretty crazy when you consider it.
Popular Gaming Mods
Many of the most popular games have mods out there.
Dark Souls Mods
DSfix: A must-have for “Dark Souls” on PC, improving resolution and offering various graphical tweaks.
Grand Theft Auto Series Mods
LCPD First Response (GTA IV): Turns the game into a police simulator.
GTA V Redux: Overhauls graphics, adds new weather systems, and tweaks gameplay. The graphical increases alone in this mod are dope.
Counter-Strike (originally a mod for Half-Life)
One of the most famous mods ever, it became a standalone game and a cornerstone of competitive FPS gaming.
How, Where to Find Mods
Finding mods isn’t rocket science, you just need to know where to look. Mod creators place mods on a number of platforms.
- Social media
- GitHub
- CurseFog
- Nexus Mods
- Mod DB
- Steam Workshop
Conclusion
Gaming mods are now engrained into gaming culture. Both gamers and developers have some level of expectations for mods. Mods often help improve or tailor games for specific styles. Developers sometimes use mods as feedback for what gamers are looking for when they develop new projects.