Nexus Mods wants to make it easier to build games with collections of mods. To this end, the currently largest modding platform is planning to introduce a “collection” system that is intended to simplify installation. But that's not the only reason why mods may soon no longer simply be deleted.
Collections explains Nexus Mods as reference lists with which the Vortex Modmanager is informed about the files to be downloaded and the order in which they are to be installed. The new feature is intended to greatly simplify the setup of a game that has been modified to a large extent and also make it possible for technically less experienced users. Because in the sometimes huge offer, compatible mods have to be found, the start sequence selected and possible problems resolved through configuration settings. The use of a functioning combination saves a lot of time and nerves, because the entire setup is recreated on another computer via Collections – the promise is less a mod package, but the automatic implementation of a guide.
Collections should be the future
In order for the system to work, mods can no longer be completely deleted after a transition period from August 5, 2021. The reasoning behind this is plausible: If a mod is deleted, a mod collection no longer works, especially if a central component is lost. The more mods a collection contains, the greater the chance that this situation will arise, writes Nexus Mods. The site would like to prevent this from happening, after all, the site's future vision is hidden behind the collections. According to this, modding should become more accessible, and the growth of the scene should in turn enable good modders to make a living.
Instead of deleting files, Nexus Mods will therefore only archive them in the future, provided that no copyright infringements or other legal violations have been committed. Mods become invisible through archiving on the page, but can still be downloaded via the Vortex Manager. Developers who do not want this can have their files deleted with the help of a form and a mail to the website. However, this is an all-or-nothing offer: Nexus Mods does not remove individual mods, but if it does, it removes all products from the respective account.
Nexus Mods emphasizes, however, that there are also technical reasons for the change. In the worst case, the deletion of mods could lead to “confusion” in the database of the site and endanger its integrity. Even without the collections, this would be a problem for the “future of our platform”, according to the site, and by no means just a “fig leaf”.
Not undisputed
In the community, the topic under the post is controversial. Some authors emphasize that the opportunity opens up to reach a larger target group and at the same time targeted sabotage after differences of opinion will no longer be an issue, others fear that the operators will benefit most. The premium subscription is central to this fear. While basic users are still referred to the mod sub-pages for downloading, where donation options can also be displayed, the process for Nexus subscribers is fully automated. The mod authors still have the option of receiving “Donation Points” from Nexus Mods linked to the number of downloads, which can be exchanged for games or money. However, unlike direct donations, they are dependent on the site.