In the world of gaming, mods play a huge role in keeping games alive long after their initial release. Whether it’s through adding new features, expanding existing worlds, or creating entirely new experiences, mods offer something that even the most polished official releases often can’t: player-driven content.
Some studios have embraced modding, fostering environments where fan-created content can thrive. Bethesda is one such company, known for its active promotion and support of modding communities. However, not all studios share this philosophy, with some even opting to crack down on mods entirely.
Skyblivion is the latest testament to Bethesda’s support for mods
One of the most impressive examples of a fan-driven project in recent years has got to be Skylivion. It is a mod that aims to bring an iconic Bethesda title, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion a new life by making it in Skyrim’s modern engine.
While the mod is not fully complete yet, it’s nearing completion after a decade of hard work. In a recent interview with VG247, Kyle ‘Rebelzize’ Rebel, the lead modder behind the project shared some insights, revealing the team received a lot of support from Bethesda.
We have had plenty of contact with Bethesda over the years. I’d like to think we are on very good terms with them. Generally speaking, Bethesda has been one of the most supporting communities when it comes to modding.
This level of collaboration goes to show that the studio understands the critical role modding plays in extending the life of its games. So, by fostering relationships with modders, the studio ensures that fan-driven projects have the resources and recognition they need to succeed.
Skyblivion itself is a prime example of this collaboration. The mod has been in development for over 10 years, with a team of volunteers working tirelessly to bring Oblivion into a more modern engine.
Bethesda has gone beyond mere encouragement, actively promoting the mod through their official channels. This not only shows its support for the project but also encourages others to show their creativity and love for the games.
Sony and Rockstar show a stark contrast in their approach
While one studio is here actively promoting and supporting modders, other studios are not showing the same open mind. They are even going out of their way to crack down on popular fan projects that enhance or add features to the game.
Recently, Sony made headlines by taking down several fan projects related to beloved Bloodborne, including a demake and a 60 FPS mod. This decision has left many fans outright frustrated and annoyed, especially given that the game has not yet received a proper remaster or sequel, despite widespread demand.
Similarly, Rockstar has made waves by shutting down the Liberty City mod for Grand Theft Auto V, which aimed to bring an entire recreated Liberty City into the game. Instead of celebrating this fan-driven passion project, the studio chose to remove it, prioritizing control over creative collaboration.
This contrast from all the studios shows the growing divide in the gaming industry. Studios need to understand that modding isn’t just about adding new content or modifying the game files, it’s about keeping games relevant and engaging long after their official lifecycle has ended.
In the end, as modding continues to evolve, Bethesda’s example proves that collaboration, not control, is the key to a game’s lasting legacy.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
