The Magic of Mayhem: The Power of Modding in Games

Mods come in many different flavours and sizes, but all adjust game files and in many cases add an element not originally part of the ‘vanilla’ game. This can be anything from graphical retexturing to new clothing options to changing the name of a certain withered skeleton to ‘Bone Daddy’. If you know, you know. The recent release of Patch 7 for Baldur’s Gate III and the subsequent official modding toolkit makes this the perfect time to explore the role of mods in the RPG community as a whole.

But modding can offer much more than just cosmetic changes. Some experienced mod creators can actually create entirely new maps for players to explore, essentially creating new DLC for when the base game just isn’t quite enough. A prime example is the recent release of Fallout: London, a staggeringly ambitious mod created for the 2015 Bethesda success story, Fallout 4. This expansion, made by Team FOLON, is an open-world map of post-apocalyptic London, giving players the chance to explore well-known landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. The gameplay on offer also has themes in abundance to please the intrepid anglophile, as stated on its website:

From stuffy parliamentary aristocrats to a resurrection of the Knights of the Round Table to an uncompromising cult of revolutionaries (and more!), Fallout: London embodies the history and aesthetics of London and puts an unmistakably nuclear spin on the beloved city.

Actors such as Neil Newbon (Resident Evil, Detroit: Become Human, Baldur’s Gate III) as well as Sylvester McCoy and Colin Baker (Doctor Who) have lent their voices to this mod, proving that this is no novice endeavour. Indeed, the level of care and professionalism evident in this mod is on a level akin to an official DLC.

Fallout: London has replaced the Boston backdrop for the English capital

While mods are fan-created and generally free, it’s a misconception to think they harm game developers who offer paid DLC. For companies like Bethesda, known for its open-world RPGs such as the Fallout and Elder Scrolls series, mods can actually be beneficial. These games, beloved by fans for decades, can start to feel outdated as new technology and graphics emerge. Modders address this by enhancing visuals and mechanics or, as seen with Fallout: London, creating entirely new areas to explore. This keeps the game fresh and attracts new players, even years after the original release. To install this 35GB mod, players must own Fallout 4 and all its DLC, making it a win-win for Bethesda.

Companies like Baldur’s Gate III developer Larian Studios are openly recognizing the importance of the modding community in keeping games vibrant and engaging. For example, BG3’s latest patch for PC and consoles introduced an in-game mod manager, enabling players to access and install pre-screened mods easily.  Additionally, the developer has released an official modding toolkit, making it simpler for both experienced and novice mod creators to develop new mods. This initiative is supported by instructional videos on social media, offering guidance on creating, finding, and installing mods.

The official BG3 Mod Manager allows easy installation for a selection of pre-screened mods

By officially supporting the modding community, Larian demonstrates a commendable commitment to its players. The studio has stated that while it will continue to provide hotfixes for Baldur’s Gate III, the focus is shifting to its next project. By empowering modders with their own platform, Larian effectively entrusts the game to its dedicated fans, allowing them to continue enhancing and updating it long after the developers have moved on. Bethesda has also made use of in-game mod managers, with over 27,000 mods for Skyrim on the Steam Workshop alone.

Modding isn’t without its risks. Despite pre-screening, mods can sometimes corrupt or even completely break a save file, particularly in cross-play or multiplayer scenarios. Typically, mod descriptions include disclaimers about potential conflicts, such as incompatibility with other mods or the need for additional mods to function correctly. However, when used properly, mods can significantly enhance and enrich the gaming experience. They can introduce new challenges, expand game worlds, and breathe new life into older classics. Mods should always be seen as love letters from fans, showcasing their impressive skills and passion to provide fellow gamers with exciting new tools and experiences to share within the community.