Censorship and Why You Should Care: The Nexus Mods Controversy

[Peeratat]

In the two months since Bethesda's "Starfield" release, a significant controversy has emerged, focusing on Nexus Mods' decision to ban mods that remove the They/Them pronouns from the game. This issue is more than just a debate over a game feature; it’s a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion about censorship in gaming and why it matters to every gamer.

1. The Core of the Issue: Nexus Mods banned modifications that aimed to remove They/Them pronouns from Starfield. This decision by one of the largest modding communities has sparked a debate about the limits of creative freedom and the role of modding platforms in shaping game content.

2. Why It Matters: Modding has traditionally been a way for gamers to personalize their experience. By limiting this ability, Nexus Mods' decision touches on broader themes of censorship and control over how games are experienced and interacted with by the community.

3. Impact on Player Autonomy: This ban raises concerns about player autonomy. Modding is not just a tool for customization but also a form of expression. Restricting this aspect can feel like an infringement on the player's ability to tailor their gaming experience to their preferences. We as consumers need to question the rationale behind why this ban is enforced.

4. The Lack of Alternatives: Over two months have passed since release, yet there are still no alternative platforms or mods available that offer the same level of customization that players seek. This absence highlights the significant influence platforms like Nexus Mods have on the modding ecosystem.

5. Broader Implications for Gaming: This whole situation is a microcosm of a larger conversation about censorship in gaming. It’s about who gets to decide what content is appropriate in games and the role of community platforms in this process.

This controversy underscores the need for open dialogue in the gaming community. Discussions about content, modding, and censorship should involve a range of voices, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered and respected.

The Nexus Mods controversy isn't just about Starfield or pronoun choices; it's a critical juncture for the gaming community to reflect on the values of creative freedom, censorship, and player autonomy. Understanding and engaging with these issues is crucial, as they will shape the landscape of gaming for years to come.

[Krash Megiddo]

Spamming

[mr_raze]

Originally posted by Peeratat:

I
This controversy underscores the need for open dialogue in the gaming community. Discussions about content, modding, and censorship should involve a range of voices, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered and respected.

Don't use their false terms.

[Sandman90]

Crazy how many culture warriors don't seem to own the game.

[Peeratat]

I did own the game and I refunded it. Please check my "previously played" history. You will see that I did put two hours into it.

[Sandman90]

Originally posted by Peeratat:

I did own the game and I refunded it. Please check my "previously played" history. You will see that I did put two hours into it.

I'll let your comment sit for a second.before you realize what you just did.

[Skumboni]

Unwoke=Brain Dead. Just so you know, even if you don't care.

[kdodds]

You don't own the game on Steam and therefore can't mod it. Even if the bigoted mod you're looking for was allowed to stay on Nexus, it would be useless to you.

1. There is no logical basis for removing this that doesn't also equate to allowing mods that remove gay people, or people of color, or jewish people. It's bigoted and has no place in this world.

2. Disallowing bigotry is not censorship.

3. See response to point 2. Also, consumerism has no place in this discussion as there is no economy, Nexus is free. There is no need to question why bigotry is banned. It is self-explanatory to all.

4. You're pursuing anti-trust logic in a world where the product is free. If you feel there is a need that would support a bigot mod site, start it. Goog luck finding and keeping sponsors.

5. Removing bigotry is not censorship.

Lastly, this thread is grossly off topic. It has nothing to do with Starfield in any way whatsoever. It has been reported as such. Back to the Block Bin you go.

[Mephitic]

What do you think would happen if you posted this drivel on Nexus forums?
Let's see what Pickysaurus has to say about it...

[sHuRuLuNi]

Originally posted by kdodds:

2. Disallowing bigotry is not censorship.

Yes, it is. FUNDAMENTALLY SO.
Free speech should not be arbitrary: "Of course we uphoald free speech, you just cannot say this and that and this one here."

Anyone MUST be allowed to say ANYTHING they want. ANYTHING.
It's the same argument you guys like to use "If you don't like it, don't use/read/watch it".

If someone does not want to have pronouns or whatever in the game, and some modder programs a mod to remove that, banning that mod is absolutely censorship.

I know the US is especially "sensitive" about these things, because of their history, but I am not American, neither are some 8 billion people. Why should the rest of the world feel "guilty" about something they had nothing to do with?

Stop it already.

Free speech = ABSOLUTE FREE SPEECH.

[Mephitic]

Originally posted by =USA= United States of Albania:

Anyone MUST be allowed to say ANYTHING they want. ANYTHING.

This is so ludicrous it hardly warrants a response.

Stand on any corner in any country and shout (or just write here) racist inflammatory rhetoric or advocate violence against anyone (a politician might be a likely choice).

Just speech, right?

I dare you. Go ahead, I'll wait.

[AoD_lexandro]

Repost of an already closed thread by a user who was already banned.

Talk about weak trolling effort.

[sHuRuLuNi]

Originally posted by Mephitic:

Originally posted by =USA= United States of Albania:

Anyone MUST be allowed to say ANYTHING they want. ANYTHING.

This is so ludicrous it hardly warrants a response.

Stand on any corner in any country and shout (or just write here) racist inflammatory rhetoric or advocate violence against anyone (a politician might be a likely choice).

I dare you. Go ahead, I'll wait.

And you are exactly proving my point.

Say anything racist and you will be punished. Because you imposed these "laws" - and the irony is, they are being imposed in the name of "free speech" very often.

But that exactly is censorship.

If someone is racist, do you think you will make him "not-racist" just because you are threatening him with punishment? NO. He will still be racist. You are just censoring his right to say his opinion. So he will not dare say it, but in his heart HE IS STILL RACIST.

I'd rather KNOW MY ENEMY than think Bob here is such a nice neighbour because he always talks so nicely, while he actually hates my guts and would burn me alive the first chance he gets.

[orangecrush]

lol.

[AoD_lexandro]

Nexus is a private site. The sites admin sets the rules. There is no discussion. It is not a democracy.

[Zmidponk]

Promoting and supporting the removal of diversity is enhancing and allowing diversity. Objecting and failing to support the removal of diversity is eliminating diversity.

Up is down.

Black is white.

Left is right.

We've always been at war with Eastasia.