“Game Modding: Navigating the Fine Line Between Innovation and Ethics”

Game modding can impact various facets of games, including visuals, narrative, or game performance. In the summary of their paper “The ethical dilemma of modding digital games: A literature review of the creation and distribution of mods”, Reisinho, Raposo, and Zagalo describe mod culture or modding as a “method of adapting digital games to the requirements of their players”. This topic proves to be polarizing, as gaming companies do not possess a singular approach regarding mods. The research paper demonstrates the intricate relationship among creativity, community, and the economic interests of game companies.

An important revelation from the research is that mods significantly contribute to rejuvenating and altering games, even those deemed outdated. Mods can serve as extensions to existing quests, mechanics, or characters, thereby extending the lifespan of games. They arrive in various forms; while some merely modify graphics and performance, others enable players to navigate queer relationships within the existing game. By addressing overlooked representations of underrepresented groups, mods assist in nurturing a more inclusive gaming environment.

Even though most mods are seen as socially acceptable and advantageous to games, some propagate harmful ideologies, damaging the reputation of modders. The paper cites instances such as mods from Prison Architect that romanticize Nazi ideologies, prompting worries about the societal and psychological effects of such mods. These examples highlight the necessity for a standardized regulatory framework that reconciles creative freedom with ethical duties.

The duality in the industry’s reaction to modding is accentuated in the study. While platforms like Steam and Blizzard endorse the collaborative mindset, Ubisoft has taken a more restrictive stance, reflecting worries about intellectual property rights. The legal framework remains inconsistent, according to the researchers. The paper examines suggested models for reform, although it is yet to be determined if the gaming industry will adopt these potential models.

The article also noted that DLCs, or downloadable content, did not exert the same positive influence. Moreover, the presence of a modding community can be a crucial consideration for some consumers when deciding whether or not to purchase a game. This illustrates the significant role that this collaborative effort from the community plays in the industry. However, not all games undergo modding: whereas shorter, closed-world games may seem unnecessary to modify due to their more linear narratives, it is common for open-world RPGs, or role-playing games, to be modded. The mods in more expansive games typically do not completely alter the story but are often viewed as complementary elements to the narrative.

The researchers obtained their findings through a systematic literature review. This review encompassed 15 studies from various disciplines to provide a thorough understanding of how mods influence the overall gaming experience, alongside the perspectives of gamers and game developers regarding modder motivations. The authors mention that while mods enrich gaming communities and can prolong the relevance of games, they also introduce significant ethical and legal challenges. They emphasize that future initiatives must concentrate on establishing frameworks that nurture this community-driven creativity while addressing potential risks.

Reisinho, P., Raposo, R. & Zagalo, N. (2023). The ethical dilemma of modding digital games: A literature review of the creation and distribution of mods. In Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, 30(2), 860-881.

Featured image from Unsplash, retrieved on 4.12.2024.

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