Video game modding
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Video game modding (from "modifying") is the process of player and fan-authored alteration of a video game[1] and is a sub-discipline of general modding. A set of modifications, called a mod, can either alter an existing game or add user-generated content. Modders, people who mod video games,[2] can introduce a variety of changes to games, including altering graphics, fixing bugs, and adding unique gameplay elements. Mod development uses official or user-made software development kits, distinguishing it from in-game creations.[1] Modding a game can also be understood as the act of seeking and installing mods to the player's game.[3]
People can become fans of specific mods and can involve themselves in the process of mod development and discourse.[4] In cases where modding is popular, players use the term vanilla to describe the unmodified game (e.g. "Vanilla Minecraft").[5]
Mods that extensively transform gameplay are known as total conversions, with some developing into distinct games. As early as the 1980s, video game mods have also been used for the sole purpose of creating art, as opposed to a playable game, leading to the rise of artistic video game modification, as well as machinima and the demoscene.[6]
With tens of thousands of mods created for popular games,[7] the proliferation of video game modding has made it an increasingly important factor in the success of many games.[8][4] Modding extends the replay value and interest of the game.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
:33was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
autowas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Olson, Cheryl K.; Kutner, Lawrence A.; Warner, Dorothy E.; Almerigi, Jason B.; Baer, Lee; Nicholi, Armand M.; Beresin, Eugene V. (July 2007). "Factors Correlated with Violent Video Game Use by Adolescent Boys and Girls". Journal of Adolescent Health. 41 (1): 77–83. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.01.001. PMID 17577537.
- ^ a b Sotamaa, Olli (July 1, 2010). "When the Game Is Not Enough: Motivations and Practices Among Computer Game Modding Culture". Games and Culture. 5 (3): 239–255. doi:10.1177/1555412009359765. ISSN 1555-4120.
- ^ Gould, Elie (January 9, 2025). "After 15 years, Minecraft has finally added two new pig variations: The warm pig and the cold pig, meaning I can delete one mod off my list". PC Gamer. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ^ Thiel, Sarah-Kristin; Lyle, Peter (June 3, 2019). "Malleable Games - A Literature Review on Communities of Game Modders" (PDF). Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Communities & Technologies - Transforming Communities. pp. 198–209. doi:10.1145/3328320.3328393. ISBN 978-1-4503-7162-9. S2CID 150367691.
- ^ Dey, Tapajit; Massengill, Jacob Logan; Mockus, Audris (October 16, 2016). "Analysis of Popularity of Game Mods". Proceedings of the 2016 Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play Companion Extended Abstracts. pp. 133–139. doi:10.1145/2968120.2987724. ISBN 978-1-4503-4458-6. S2CID 12003615.
- ^ Postigo, Hector (October 2007). "Of Mods and Modders". Games and Culture. 2 (4): 300–313. doi:10.1177/1555412007307955. S2CID 143727901.