Iron Gate, the developer behind the successful game Valheim, has released a statement to address a flurry of questions regarding the game’s mods. It’s evident that while Iron Gate doesn’t officially back mods, the team recognizes and appreciates the creative community that has taken an interest in developing them. This support from the developers could be a positive push for the community, spurring even more creativity and innovation.
In the light of confusion regarding the status of mods, Iron Gate has made a request to mod creators. The developers have asked for explicit labelling of mods as unofficial, whether in-game or on any platform where they are available. This request is aimed at ensuring a clear understanding for players, who may otherwise be unsure when a mod automatically downloads as they join a modded server. In addition, Iron Gate highlights that Valheim already has a built-in feature for marking modded servers, further facilitating distinction between the original and modded game environments.
Read more: Red Dead Redemption Players Find Gross Detail About Pigs In Game
Iron Gate is conscious of the potential problems mods may cause and thus adopts a disclaimer for the same. They have highlighted that they don’t bear any liability for issues arising from mod usage, and can’t promise the compatibility of mods with future versions of the game. This cautious stance from the developers might urge players to approach mods with more care and understanding.
On the topic of monetizing mods, Iron Gate expresses a firm disapproval. The developers argue that such practices contradict the essence of modding, which they believe should be about open and free creativity. They are encouraging mod creators to continue offering their mods freely to all players. However, recognizing the hard work that goes into mod creation, Iron Gate suggests that players can show their appreciation to modders through voluntary donations.
This clarification comes amidst a larger discussion in the gaming industry about the monetization of mods, echoing a past controversy where Valve briefly experimented with paid mods for Skyrim in 2015, but soon retracted after a backlash. Currently, many mod creators, like Team Beef, have moved towards platforms like Patreon for financial support, thereby avoiding direct transactions for specific mods. As the modding community continues to evolve, developers like Iron Gate are navigating this intricate landscape, aiming for a balance that respects the hard work of mod creators while maintaining the spirit of open and free gaming.