A Simple Solution (Paid Mods)

[Your Mum]

Pretty much everyone on the workshop should know, Valve and Bethesda tried to implement a system in which mod creators could be compensated for their work. Needless to say, this paid mods system didn't work out, much to the delight of many modders. However, this has angered some mod creators to the point where they no longer create mods for us to use. This isn't good either, since that means there are less people who'll make content for us to enjoy. So how about a simple solution that should work on both the mod creator's, and the modder's side?

How about A KICKSTARTER FOR MODS? Think about it. The mod creator puts out a small portion of content, like a demo or a teaser, (think P.T.), and then people donate in order for the creator to be able to further develop the mod. The mod creator would set up certain levels of funding, and like in Kickstarter, when the funding is reached, more content is added. (A portion of the profits would probably go to the developers of the game and Valve, but the majority should go to the mod creator).

Obviously, there are risks involved with this. What if a mod developer is unable to make what they said they would make? That would be a situation where the consumers of the mod should be refunded, or reimbursed in some way. Either way, if a mod developer sets up a goal reward for their mod, they should probably see to it that they can actually make that reward possible.

This idea is definitely focussed upon larger mods like Falskaar, or Wyrmstooth, etc. Standalone armors probably wouldn't work for this (What are you going to do? Up-res the textures? Please don't make people pay for better pixel quality), but armor packs could work. Maybe start with a small 2-3 armor pack, then add more armors with more and more funding.

I could even see this being implemented in other modifiable games as well. One of the biggest things to keep in mind, DOWNLOADING THE MODS AND THEIR UPDATES, MUST BE FREE. Otherwise, this is no better than what Valve tried to do not too long ago. This would make sure that everyone with the mod is on the same level, and there is no separation. Everyone would have the same content, just some payed for it, and others didn't. Let's be honest, the people who didn't pay probably wouldn't pay for it if it had a paywall anyway. If you think about it, that isn't really a loss, just a gain in viewership, and who knows, maybe the person using your mod will enjoy it so much that they support you.

With this solution, I feel like the mod creators would be trying their absolute hardest to put out a quality mod, because now they are fighting for their audience's attention and their wallets, without forcing anyone to pay. A mod creator who isn't making money, will hopefully realize that their product isn't appealing to the community, and they'll end up working harder. This seems like mod creators would have increased incentive to make their amazing mods. Speaking of incentive, people who pay or back the mods should have some sort of benefit, so maybe they can receive the updates a week or two in advance, so if you have a really amazing mod, people will have incentive to pay.

So that's just my idea. Tell me whether or not it sounds good, or ways I could improve this.
tl;dr: Kickstarter for mods

[Tux]

why not just allow developers (modders are developers of sorts) to charge or not charge based on their own choice with the understanding that they need the publishers permission to do so.

I can buy cartoon asset art online but I cant buy a mod? not sure that makes much sense

[Your Mum]

Originally posted by Tux:

why not just allow developers (modders are developers of sorts) to charge or not charge based on their own choice with the understanding that they need the publishers permission to do so.

I can buy cartoon asset art online but I cant buy a mod? not sure that makes much sense

Good point, so how about a free market for mods? The mod developers determine their source of payment, whether it be free, paid, or this kickstarter idea, knowing the possible consequences of their decision. If it truly is, (to a varying degree across mods), "their" content, then it does make sense that they have a say in its distribution.

[Silicon Vampire]

why not use existing threads on the subject? Search function is operable.