Game Modding
Ongoing coverage on Game Modding.
Latest coverage
'Yes, that's Counter-Strike on a PSP!': Modder gets favorite PC FPS working on Sony's 22-year-old…
A modder named Yifeng Wang has successfully created a Counter-Strike clone, dubbed OpenStrike, that runs on the 22-year-old PlayStation Portable handheld. This proof-of-concept utilizes a custom Rust-based 3D engine and a JavaScript engine, achieving 60 FPS with a small RAM footprint. The mod also works on the PlayStation Vita and features all eight original Counter-Strike maps.
NexusMods CEO digs into the dynamics of video game modding
NexusMods CEO Victor Folmann discusses the complexities of game modding and his vision for NexusMods as a user-generated content platform. He highlights the challenges of balancing mod accessibility with developer terms of service and fostering relationships between creators and players.
Jak & Daxter: Randomized
This article details how to set up and play Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy using a PC-native multi-world randomizer. It explains the process of obtaining the game's ISO, using the OpenGOAL translator to run it natively on PC, and integrating with Archipelago software for randomized item and move pools. The guide highlights the fun and replayability offered by these fan-made modifications, even suggesting future challenges with combined game randomizers.
One of the best ways to play Morrowind just got better with improved scripting support for magic mods and a host of…
The fan-made open-source engine OpenMW has released version 0.51.0, significantly improving support for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. This update allows modders to create custom magic effects using the scripting API, enabling more complex mods to function within the OpenMW engine. The release also addresses various technical issues and annoyances, ensuring a smoother experience for players on modern hardware.
The best D&D videogame you've never played is one guy's outsider art, personal Baldur's Gate saga
The Neverwinter Nights mod campaign, Swordflight, is highlighted as a masterfully designed, challenging RPG experience created by a single developer over many years. This fan-made module for BioWare's classic game offers a deep Dungeons & Dragons 3E adaptation, emphasizing strategic planning and resource management, and is praised for its reactive storytelling and unique moral system.
Bloodborne’s Potential PS5 Performance Showcased on Modded Console
Digital Foundry has showcased Bloodborne running at a stable 120 FPS on a modded PlayStation 5, a significant improvement over its original PlayStation 4 performance which was locked to 30 FPS with frame pacing issues. These enhancements, achieved through exploits on older console firmware, suggest that Sony could implement similar improvements if interested, though neither Sony nor FromSoftware have shown interest in revisiting the title. Reports indicate Bluepoint Games had pitched a Bloodborne remake, but FromSoftware declined, with Sony respecting their decision.
Cheat Engine now has a Linux version released
Cheat Engine, a popular game modification tool, has officially released a version for Linux, marking its first official support for the operating system. The tool, which helps users modify single-player games by scanning and altering memory variables, also includes debugging and system inspection features. The latest version, 7.7, requires Patreon support for download on Linux and macOS, similar to its Windows counterpart.
Forza Horizon 6 gets customisable interiors thanks to a modder who couldn't resist swapping the seats of their beemer
A modder named Smidgeee has introduced customizable interiors to Forza Horizon 6, starting with the BMW M4 Coupé. This mod allows players to swap seats, steering wheels, and customize interior colors, addressing a notable omission in the game's existing customization options. The modder plans to expand support to more vehicles in the future.
Game and Mod Development
Global Game Jam has launched a pilot program called GGJ Micro-Missions, supported by the Endless Foundation. This initiative aims to foster game development and modding through new opportunities.
After 10 years of work, modders have remade classic RPG Ultima Underworld in Unity with 3D models, new sound effects, and controller support
A fan-made remake of the classic RPG Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss has been released using the Unity engine. This unofficial project, titled Unity Underground, features new 3D models, updated sound effects, and controller support, though it requires the original game files to run. The developer has clarified that while some UI textures and audio were AI-assisted, the main 3D models were hand-crafted.
Another GTA 5 multiplayer mod service is shutting down as Take-Two and Rockstar push to consolidate modding around FiveM
Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games are consolidating Grand Theft Auto 5 and Grand Theft Auto Online modding efforts around FiveM, a platform acquired in 2023. RAGE:MP, a popular multiplayer mod service, will shut down by August 31, 2026, with its operators urging users to migrate to FiveM.
Subnautica 2's EULA is causing a bit of a ruckus, but Unknown Worlds say they're "looking into" the current terms
Subnautica 2's End User License Agreement has sparked controversy due to clauses restricting VPN use, potential ownership claims on fan-made content by publisher Krafton, and individual arbitration requirements. Unknown Worlds has stated they are reviewing the EULA following player concerns, assuring players that actions will not be taken against streaming, Linux use via Proton, or modding as long as rules are followed.
Forza Horizon 6 isn't even out yet, but players are already modding it on PC with Tokyo Drift references,…
Despite its official release date being May 19, Forza Horizon 6 has leaked and is already being modded by players on PC, with some adding references to Tokyo Drift. Playground Games has acknowledged the leak and warned of bans for those accessing the unreleased build.
Baldur's Gate 3 fans behind OG Baldur's Gate remake mod revamp Candlekeep to give it "the massive visual…
A team of Baldur's Gate 3 fans is recreating the original Baldur's Gate game using Larian Studios' modding tools. The project, initially focused on Candlekeep, has expanded into a full remake titled Deathbringer's Reign, featuring significant visual enhancements to the original game's environments.
Everyone knows Wolfenstein 3D made the FPS a phenomenon. What this mod presupposes is… what if it didn't?
The Isowulf mod reimagines Wolfenstein 3D from an isometric perspective, prompting speculation about whether the first-person shooter genre would have emerged if this had been the original design. Despite the hypothetical impact, the mod is praised for its faithful recreation and the enduring quality of id Software's original design.
This very normal Half-Life mod lets you play as 'queen of spacetime' Max Caulfield, and it's convinced me that the next Life is Strange should be a full-on boomer shooter
A new Half-Life mod, Half-Life is Strange, allows players to control Max Caulfield from the Life is Strange series. The mod integrates Max's powers and dialogue into the Half-Life universe, with the author suggesting the next Life is Strange game could be a full boomer shooter. The mod is still in development.
Morrowind in Elden Ring mod is now "mostly playable", despite the fact its creator's "entire existence has been consumed with interpreting gibberish code"
Modder InfernoPlus has announced significant progress on a mod that ports Morrowind into Elden Ring, stating it is now "mostly playable." Despite facing complex challenges with code, map building, and dialogue systems, the mod now features functional NPCs, a crime system, and an alchemy system. While much work remains on game balancing and design, the project showcases impressive dedication to recreating Morrowind's elements within Elden Ring's engine.
Disgusting! Depraved monster adds effective quest markers to Morrowind, shows no remorse
A new mod called Quest Markers Plus for The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind, specifically for the OpenMW engine, adds effective quest markers to the game. This mod aims to reduce player frustration by clearly indicating quest objectives, similar to modern game design. The author humorously suggests the modder deserves to be imprisoned for making the game easier.
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LyncConf is highlighted as a leading platform for discovering, downloading, and managing game modifications, emphasizing its role in providing safe and curated user-created content. The article details the evolution of game mods, the benefits gamers derive from using platforms like LyncConf for visual and gameplay enhancements, and provides installation guides and essential tools for modding. It also discusses LyncConf's community features and upcoming updates aimed at improving accessibility and reliability in the modding ecosystem.
After 15 years and 323 hours, I've finally beaten Fallout: New Vegas, and this game doesn't need mods as much…
After 15 years and 323 hours, the author finally completed Fallout: New Vegas for the first time, advocating for playing the game with minimal mods. While acknowledging the value of bug fixes, the piece argues that extensive modifications can detract from the core experience, turning the game into an open-ended platform rather than a curated RPG. The author shares their personal experience of a more fulfilling playthrough with a focus on essential bug fixes and minor cosmetic tweaks.
