Modding

by Seung Lim

   Mods have been around since the 1980s, the time when the video games were just developed. Since the 1980s, Mods were developed for almost every games. One of the greatest example is Counter-Strike, which is Half-Life mod. An interesting fact is that Counter-Strike became more popular than Half-Life, the original game. "Day of Defeat" is also from Valve Software and is also a mod, a fan-made modification to a pre existing game.

   Mods existed in gaming industry for decades, but as the inclusion of "Day of Defeat" on Steam proves, they have really come into their own. A number of top gaming companies now heavily depend on modders to show them the way creatively and to ensure their own survival in competitive gaming market. Moreover, mods also represent the most visible success of the free software movement on the larger culture. For those who play computer games, the same ethos of volunteerism and shared ownership that characterizes free software has helped utterly transform the gaming experience and the $8 billion-plus gaming industry.

   Mods are essential part in Gaming Industry because it not only help the Gaming Companies to improve and keep develop but also allow the game users to experience some aspects that original game could not provide.