Things to Consider When Modding
Mods are all around us now, especially in the year 2021. Go to the Steam Charts website, and you will witness how they take prominent places in the top ten 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
One ridiculous example of this trend is the persistent existence of Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer in the official top ten list of the most played Steam games daily worldwide. Yes, it is not a game — it is a mod of an existing game that also exists in the top 10: Grand Theft Auto (GTA) V.
For those of us who are not that familiar with this mod, Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer is the mod that allows for all the fun and outrageous modes that GTA V players love to come up with (gang war mode, racing, roleplay, etc.).
On top of this, even full-fledged competitive titles such as Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), and StarCraft have their own respective mods. Yes, these hardcore esports titles have their respective ways of allowing casual play through their mod systems.
The prevalence of these game mods is extremely lasting to the point that only the release of a new triple-A game could shift the rankings. Even then, the change does not necessarily last forever; if the game did not stick with the audience (or there’s no more replayability left in it), then everyone goes back to the same old games that they love playing.
Probably you are thinking of this question right now: How do I make my own working mod? One might want to ask this question: How do I want to go with it? Do I follow a specific plan of action? Do I follow my own instincts?
Regardless of the path that you want to pursue, you might want to do two things to start with.
First, own the game and play it extensively. Play it on all difficulties. Unlock all the easter eggs. Play for the achievements. Play as fast as you could. Play the multiplayer as much as you can.
Just play.
Knowing the game well allows you to know where to start and ask the following questions: Can I improve the game without breaking it? Can I add new content to the game? Is there an in-game editor, and if yes, can I use it easily and efficiently?
As a gamer, you ought to research the game that you intend to mod; in the first place, you won’t be able to mod without knowing the intricacies and quirks of the said game first. You need to realize that each game there requires different approaches when it comes to modding, and without playing the game and examining it from the inside out, you will never understand the things that are possible to do within the game.
A good number of video games tend to come with official modification tools and the related licensing systems for the same. In some cases, they put up these systems for download (either through a centralized place like the Steam Workshop or through other means), so the community can start generating content quickly and efficiently.
It is clear that if you want to mod games, you either have to do it via a mod kit or through an official in-game editor. However, when it comes to other games, you need to have the necessary skills in programming languages to be able to code your modifications properly.
If you want to do a challenging task that will make your modding experience worthwhile, then just study the game.
The second thing that you need to remember when starting to mod is joining the community, whether through Steam Workshop, dedicated forums, and websites or through community Discord servers.
You will be able to ask around, sound off ideas, and refine your concepts when you share them with a community. After all, many modders are more than happy to help newcomers to the community, so take the leap and just do it! Who knows, you may be able to find a mentor or partner that will help you in your modding journey. At the very least, you will get one or two pieces (or even more) of valuable and constructive feedback from the community, which will definitely help you going forward.
Now that you are done with these two vital things, it’s now time to conceptualize.
You have to be super careful to not bump into unnecessary problems while making your first mod. You might want to fashion a strategic plan before you get started: Set targets, set specific changes, and prepare the necessary elements in order for you to do it smoothly.
Every single step should be planned in a meticulous manner: Those well-made mods that you enjoy playing did not come out overnight.
Indeed, you must have all your resources at hand before starting a mod, as it will allow you to avoid committing mistakes in the process. You might want to take note of the code segments as well as the engine tweaks that might help you along the way.
Think once. Think twice. Think again. Think of all the possibilities.
If there are commonly used modification tools out there in the open, get familiar with them so that you can utilize them to the fullest extent possible. After all, you would want to make your life easier, no?
Follow the instructions, ask for feedback, refine your mod, and you will see results in no time.
At this point, you would be having the makings of a mod: It can be a small cosmetic change, a map, a bug fix, or an optimization in the base code that allows for better features in a game.
By modding a game, you are able to show that you are determined to leave your own mark inside a computer game. It empowers you and your creativity, and it creates more reasons for you to love the game itself.
Modding is a great way to enjoy the game from the inside. You get to learn why great games are great and you get to understand the mechanics that define your favorite games.
Go mod and be free. You’ll be surprised to see what you’ll learn along the way!
