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[Urist McScoopbeard]

Hello.

Valve has just introduced the ability for Skyrim nodders to charge for their mods. so far, it's MOSTLY anywhere from ~1-5 USD. This is presumably a preface to a larger introduction of this system to all workshop games. Please, discuss.

If you are wondering, I am entirely against this. While I think that modder's should receive some sort of compensation, it's just not fair to the consumer, who, if they want the "full experience" will probably end paying $100+ for the base game, DLC, and now mods. That's preposterous.

If you too are against this, there are many steam groups advocating out cause, and a number of petitions going around.

Ze crisis is over.

Resume crisis-ing.

Ongoing craftiness.

[Redzephyr01]

I'm pretty sure this is illegal.

[Urist McScoopbeard]

I'm pretty sure this is illegal.

I am unsure of it's actual legality, but something definitely seems off about in those terms doesn't it. To compound that, valve takes 75% of profits and nodders take 25%. I have no idea of the depth of fucked up copyright shit this is subject to.

[Levi]

Boo.  Valve is always trying to monetize everything.  Its gross.

[Urist McScoopbeard]

Boo.  Valve is always trying to monetize everything.  Its gross.

It's disgusting honestly. Hopefully this is where people will realize how fucking stupid the micro transaction bullshit is becoming and put an end to it. I doubt it though.

[Bauglir]

I'm pretty sure this is illegal.

I honestly can't see how. This is firmly within the realm of contract law. They're providing distribution services and charging for them. It's hella evil, but I can't see it being illegal within the intellectual property framework we have going these days.

[Baffler]

We can probably rest assured that companies won't stand for people charging for total conversions though. Think of what Games Workshop or LucasArts would do if steam was allowing (and even profiting from!) people monetizing their IP without a license.

[Urist McScoopbeard]

We can probably rest assured that companies won't stand for people charging for total conversions though. Think of what Games Workshop or LucasArts would do if steam was allowing (and even profiting from!) people monetizing their IP without a license.

Yes, that is a beautiful reassurance, but who knows, with the things going the way they are maybe companies and nodders will be willing to cut deals that are profitable to everyone.

[Teneb]

I'm pretty sure this is illegal.

I doubt this is illegal in any way. Just scummy.

[Araph]

I'm guessing a lot of modders will be against it too.

Also, paying $0.99 for a sword in Skyrim? Practically nobody's going to pay that. The shit will pile up in its little corner of the Steam workshop while the good stuff (i.e. mods that are basically expansions in terms of the content they provide) will be worth it.

To compound that, valve takes 75% of profits and nodders take 25%.

THAT, however, is very fucked up. Are you sure it's Valve who's taking 75%? Or does that include the IP owner's cut? I would have assumed Valve would go with their standard 30% cut, which (while still unpleasant) is at least on-par with what's considered normal (iTunes and the Apple store take a similar percentage, most game engine licenses take a similar percentage, etc.).

[Teneb]

To compound that, valve takes 75% of profits and nodders take 25%.

THAT, however, is very fucked up. Are you sure it's Valve who's taking 75%? Or does that include the IP owner's cut? I would have assumed Valve would go with their standard 30% cut, which (while still unpleasant) is at least on-par with what's considered normal (iTunes and the Apple store take a similar percentage, most game engine licenses take a similar percentage, etc.).

I'm guessing that 75% cut is split between Valve and Zenimax, though who knows how much each gets.

[Urist McScoopbeard]

Unfortunately, other than various other discussions I haven't found a solid source stating that valve takes the full 75% in gross, so it may well be the IP holder's cut (by IP I assume we are talking intellectual property).

[Putnam]

There's a precedent for pay-for mods.

That precedent is entirely set in flight simulators where you have to fully model and create the functionality of an entire aircraft, cockpit included.

I'd say this is not going to go well for much anyone.

[penguinofhonor]

.

[Urist McScoopbeard]

I think modders deserve compensation, but it is ridiculous that they get so little of it. Anyone trying to partially support themselves off a mod will have to price gouge and make Valve and the game company more money than they make themselves.

Modder's deserve donations. Modding should not be a way to make money. In fact, I'm pretty sure most nodders complete mods as works of passion. That passion deserves to be noted and rewarded, but frankly 5 dollars for every follower, house, or armor set is preposterous! If you wanna charge me an extra 5 bucks for a new region with new everything sure.