Bethesda Wants Skyrim Mods on Consoles
- Thread starter Logan Westbrook
- Start date
I know this thread is a month old, but is anyone else surprised by the frequently repeated assertions of imaginary issues. Issues like the following:
*The implication that for PC mods to work on the console porting (code alteration) will be necessitated.
*The implication or assertion that mods would have to be distributed through PSN/XBL.
*The refusal to acknowledge a console as a computer with almost all of the capabilities of a PC (albeit hidden by a slick interface).
*The assumption that bringing the console community into the modding community would require mod authoring tools for the console.
As has been previously stated, Unreal Tournament 3 has supported mods from its inception. It is apparent that making PC mods available on consoles is firmly within the realm of possibility. Also, the command console has been lacking from console games from the dawn of time with few exceptions. A recent example of this inclusion is the retention of a command console in Two Worlds II. Many of the issues brought up are mute points, insignificant gripes, or misinformation spread by someone who lacks a complete understanding of the topic.
Bethesda will create the structure upon which mods are created. The choices they make in designing this structure will dictate the extent to which mods are cross-platform capable. In theory, they should be able to create something that retains functional compatibility in all but the most extreme of circumstances. If done well, this will allow most mods to be used seamlessly across platforms.
I believe that Bethesda will provide their own framework for some or all of the following: browsing, downloading, and/or installing. This framework will either be integrated into the game client or a stand-alone utility which is downloaded or installed from the game disc. This software should allow the gymnastics that may be required to install a mod to be completed on a console; however, it is far more likely that the new modding platform will circumvent some of these downfalls in previous modding platforms. My .02. Feel free to tear me a new one.
Go Bethesda!
*The implication that for PC mods to work on the console porting (code alteration) will be necessitated.
*The implication or assertion that mods would have to be distributed through PSN/XBL.
*The refusal to acknowledge a console as a computer with almost all of the capabilities of a PC (albeit hidden by a slick interface).
*The assumption that bringing the console community into the modding community would require mod authoring tools for the console.
As has been previously stated, Unreal Tournament 3 has supported mods from its inception. It is apparent that making PC mods available on consoles is firmly within the realm of possibility. Also, the command console has been lacking from console games from the dawn of time with few exceptions. A recent example of this inclusion is the retention of a command console in Two Worlds II. Many of the issues brought up are mute points, insignificant gripes, or misinformation spread by someone who lacks a complete understanding of the topic.
Bethesda will create the structure upon which mods are created. The choices they make in designing this structure will dictate the extent to which mods are cross-platform capable. In theory, they should be able to create something that retains functional compatibility in all but the most extreme of circumstances. If done well, this will allow most mods to be used seamlessly across platforms.
I believe that Bethesda will provide their own framework for some or all of the following: browsing, downloading, and/or installing. This framework will either be integrated into the game client or a stand-alone utility which is downloaded or installed from the game disc. This software should allow the gymnastics that may be required to install a mod to be completed on a console; however, it is far more likely that the new modding platform will circumvent some of these downfalls in previous modding platforms. My .02. Feel free to tear me a new one.
Go Bethesda!
I really hope this comes to fruition. Mods on consoles would be a giant step in the right direction.
You know that PC gaming isn't actually dieing. Publishers have had some of there best years ever recently. Also the being a Witcher PC exclusive didn't stop it from selling 1.1 million plus copies. PC gaming is anything but dieing.RaikuFA said:
Funny you should ask...spectrenihlus said:
It's not directly related but Bethesda's setting up of a 'mod repository' on Steam is a step in the right direction for modding on consoles, believe it or not. Think of it partly as a 'proof of concept' work with an eye for setting up something similar for XBL and PSN. If they can get all the bugs ironed out on Steam they have a better chance for convincing MS and/or Sony that the idea has real merit.
The 2 real stumbling blocks to bringing PC style modding to consoles are Console Manufacturer resistance to the idea and... well, to be blunt... the extremely limited RAM of consoles.