The simple definition of MOD is modification. A longer version is that usually when a game is released or sometime after release a SDK or software development kit is released for the game. This SDK grants the community the power to create modifications to the game to make new maps, models, vehicles or game types. These modifications are called MODs. The most popular MOD of all time is easily the MOD of Half-Life called Counterstrike. The makers of the MOD changed the sci-fi gameplay and weapons of Half-Life into a round based somewhat realistic (weapons and models) multiplayer dream. Counterstrike in turn ended up being more popular than Half-Life multiplayer. Now with the release of the sequel, Half-Life 2, a new version of the MOD is shipped with the game as the only multi-player to ship with a game.

While plenty of FPSs do take advantage of the MOD community other genres do as well. Almost every RTS game released comes with a map editor or mission editor. While some of this is content creation instead of making a MOD, MODs for these games still are everywhere. Some of the biggest examples are for the very popular WarCraft 3 and StarCraft. Logon and go to the custom makes or games and try some of this player created content. Also in The Sims players are allowed to make new items for their Sims to use. Another genre is in RPGs like Morrowind and Neverwinter Nights. Both of these RPGs while one is single player (Morrowind) and one is multiplayer (Neverwinter Nights) have a editor to make new content such as items, enemies, and missions. The point is that smart developers are harnessing the talents of their communites to make their games better.

Now companies are starting to sponsor MOD makers with events, contests and other community building activities. One of the main resent ones being the “Make Something Unreal” contest for the game Unreal Tournament 2004. Various sponsors and the developers gave prizes for tons of different categories of player made content and MODs. With the rise in expansion packs and sequels, talented people that can create content from existing gaming worlds and programming will be in demand.

-Mark (15-Feb-2005)

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