A renowned Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4 modder is removing all of their work from Nexus Mods. Both of the Bethesda Game Studios role-playing games are known for their wealth of fan-made modifications and expansions. Nexus Mods is a particularly popular mod distribution website where creators can upload their work for others to download and enjoy.

While Nexus Mods is a go-to mod resource for many gamers, the website has recently made headlines for implementing some divisive new rules and mandates. Giftfish, a prominent modder of Bioware's Mass Effect trilogy, recently removed their work from Nexus Mods shortly after the release of Mass Effect Legendary Edition. The well-known creator's decision was prompted by the revelation that Nexus Mods would not prevent other users from recreating his work. Mass Effect Legendary Edition's code is substantially different from the original version of the trilogy, and so it is impossible to simply transfer older mods into the remastered games. This means that modders would need to completely recreate Giftfish's mods in order to upload them to Nexus Mods, a practice that is completely authorized by the website. This lack of protection for his work led to Giftfish leaving the site and taking his mods with him. Shortly afterwards, Nexus Mods implemented a new policy preventing creators from deleting their work after it is archived on the site. This new "Collections" system went into effect on August 5.

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As reported by PC Gamerrenowned Skyrim and Fallout 4 modder Arthmoor has requested that all of his work be removed from Nexus Mods as a response to the new "Collections" system. Arthmoor is perhaps most well-known for the Skyrim Alternate Start mod, which allows players to skip the game's lengthy introduction level when creating a new character. Other popular works include The Paarthurnax Dilemma, which expands on a short quest, and the Unofficial Skyrim Patch. Disagreements with Nexus Mods' new archive policy seem to be the reason for Arthmoor's departure, but all of the creator's work can still be found on AFK Mods as well as Bethesda.net Mods.

skyrim alternate start mod

While the internet has no shortage of Skyrim mods, some of these works manage to grow beyond their humble origins. The newly-released adventure game The Forgotten City, developed by Modern Storyteller, actually began its life as a popular mod for Skyrim. The murder mystery mod, originally released back in 2015, was known for featuring complex puzzles and multiple different endings depending on player actions. The full version of The Forgotten City expands this premise by introducing an ancient Roman setting and expanding the game's puzzles and story.

Nexus Mods' new "Collections" system is predictably divisive amongst modders, as the policy effectively removes their ownership over their own creations. Modders have the right to upload and take down mods as they please, and creators like Arthmoor are clearly uncomfortable with releasing control over their own hard work and effort. While games like Skyrim and Fallout 4 continue to lose mods, it remains to be seen whether Nexus Mods will respond to this negative reception of the Collections policy.

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Source: PC Gamer, Arthmoor/Nexus Mods, AFK Mods, Bethesda.net Mods