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.

[mr_raze]

Originally posted by Athmet:

Originally posted by Peeratat:

I don't understand why people want to ban me. Am I not speaking the truth?

No, you are giving your opinion that defends bigotry and hateful speech. People do not have to like it and should not like it. The right winger felicias have been trying to muddy the water with the "fReE SpEEch" and try to hide their hateful agenda. No more. Enough.
And you can cry all you want, more and more people understand the dogwhistle from people like you and the other UI.

Aw, you don't get to define bigotry and hate speech. :(
I'm sorry if that makes you cwanky. :(

[Athmet]

Originally posted by mr_raze:

Originally posted by EchoPlexy:

Wrong. Valve has the right. This is not the U.S. Government and it's no more fascist than you throwing someone out of your home.

You must love corporations controlling your free speech.

free speech =/= hate speech

[Athmet]

Originally posted by mr_raze:

Originally posted by Athmet:

No, you are giving your opinion that defends bigotry and hateful speech. People do not have to like it and should not like it. The right winger felicias have been trying to muddy the water with the "fReE SpEEch" and try to hide their hateful agenda. No more. Enough.
And you can cry all you want, more and more people understand the dogwhistle from people like you and the other UI.

Aw, you don't get to define bigotry and hate speech. :(
I'm sorry if that makes you cwanky. :(

I am not the right wing felicia who started this thread crying about the consequences of what they say or do. Sorry, not sorry, buddy.

[Chibi Life]

Ahh yes this post again. Time to watch the defense squad roll in because Nexus is censoring things in a way they agree with.

Meanwhile whenever a tech company censors things in a way they don't agree with they're suddenly for freedom of choice and they REEE and screech louder than any other group of people.

This thread is going to fill up with plenty examples of hypocrisy and showcase this clown world we live in.

[EchoPlexy]

Originally posted by Chibi Life:

Ahh yes this post again. Time to watch the defense squad roll in because Nexus is censoring things in a way they agree with.

Meanwhile whenever a tech company censors things in a way they don't agree with they're suddenly for freedom of choice and they REEE and screech louder than any other group of people.

This thread is going to fill up with plenty examples of hypocrisy and showcase this clown world we live in.

Good to see you roll back in right away too.

[mr_raze]

Originally posted by Athmet:

Originally posted by mr_raze:

Aw, you don't get to define bigotry and hate speech. :(
I'm sorry if that makes you cwanky. :(

I am not the right wing felicia who started this thread crying about the consequences of what they say or do. Sorry, not sorry, buddy.

Just as long as you understand that people can have opinions out loud (even if they run contrary to your baby feelings).

[Athmet]

Originally posted by mr_raze:

Originally posted by Athmet:

I am not the right wing felicia who started this thread crying about the consequences of what they say or do. Sorry, not sorry, buddy.

Just as long as you understand that people can have opinions out loud (even if they run contrary to your baby feelings).

As long as you understand people have the freedom of choice to close the door and/or call out opinions that encourages hate, fear of difference and ultimately violence. Then we are all good.

[Chibi Life]

Originally posted by EchoPlexy:

Originally posted by Chibi Life:

Ahh yes this post again. Time to watch the defense squad roll in because Nexus is censoring things in a way they agree with.

Meanwhile whenever a tech company censors things in a way they don't agree with they're suddenly for freedom of choice and they REEE and screech louder than any other group of people.

This thread is going to fill up with plenty examples of hypocrisy and showcase this clown world we live in.

Good to see you roll back in right away too.

I no longer engage in long discussions with people here because my time is valuable and nobody here wants to debate in good faith. If I want to have a poo flinging contest I'll head to the zoo monkey cage instead.

But I did need to point out the clown world because it's just what I do.

[Chibi Life]

Originally posted by AoD_lexandro:

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

Being a private company doesn't excuse them from backlash or criticism. Just like your comment here doesn't excuse you from criticism or being laughed at.

[Ðe§er†FoX]

The fact that people need to download a mod to not see a split second option at the beginning of a videogame is asanine to me. I'm not sure how ya'll even manage to leave your house without getting offended. Do you hypocrits not realize that you yourselves are censoring by removing content from the game................?

[Chibi Life]

Originally posted by Ðe§er†FoX:

The fact that people need to download a mod to not see a split second option at the beginning of a videogame is asanine to me. I'm not sure how ya'll even manage to leave your house without getting offended. Do you hypocrits not realize that you yourselves are censoring by removing content from the game................?

It's a choice to use the mod or not. It's a single player game. What they are doing with the game isn't your business.

[Ðe§er†FoX]

Originally posted by Chibi Life:

Originally posted by Ðe§er†FoX:

The fact that people need to download a mod to not see a split second option at the beginning of a videogame is asanine to me. I'm not sure how ya'll even manage to leave your house without getting offended. Do you hypocrits not realize that you yourselves are censoring by removing content from the game................?

It's a choice to use the mod or not. It's a single player game. What they are doing with the game isn't your business.

Its a choice to play the game or not. Its a choice for a website to not want to spread disgusting content on their own site if they dont want to.

The only people trying to force their disgusting worldview in this scenario appears to be the bigots. Or am I missing something?

[vonbleak]

At the end of the day Nexus can do whatever they want... If people dont like it they can use moddb or another site...

[Chibi Life]

Originally posted by Ðe§er†FoX:

Originally posted by Chibi Life:

It's a choice to use the mod or not. It's a single player game. What they are doing with the game isn't your business.

Its a choice to play the game or not. Its a choice for a website to not want to spread disgusting content on their own site if they dont want to.

The only people trying to force their disgusting worldview in this scenario appears to be the bigots. Or am I missing something?

OH god I've been called a bigot! Oh god I don't know how I'm going to recover. I'm going to have to promptly contact a therapist.

Oh by the way, it's your choice to ignore a mod for a single player game that doesn't affect you in any way, shape or form. It's also our choice to criticize this website for their choice to remove the mod.

Private company doesn't mean they can do whatever they want and we gotta bend over and say "yes master".

Oh please call me a bigot again! I love that word, it makes me wet.

[Chibi Life]

Originally posted by vonbleak:

At the end of the day Nexus can do whatever they want... If people dont like it they can use moddb or another site...

Nexus can do whatever they want and if people don't like it, it's our right to criticize them for it ;)