Recently, Bethesda released a remastered edition of Doom and Doom II on Steam, offering players numerous extra episodes and improvements. One of the standout features of this remaster is the inclusion of a built-in browser for mods, allowing players to access and play a wide variety of fan-made content. However, amidst the excitement of having access to these mods, a significant issue has emerged – the lack of moderation in the mod browser.
The crux of the issue lies in the fact that the mod browser in the Doom remaster lacks proper moderation. This has led to a situation where individuals are uploading mods created by others and claiming them as their own. This has understandably caused outrage within the Doom community, with prominent figures like game designer Jean-Paul LeBreton speaking out against this practice.
LeBreton has described the lack of moderation in the mod browser as “a massive breach of trust and violation of norms the Doom community has done its best to hold to for those 30 years.” This sentiment highlights the long-standing commitment of the Doom community to uphold ethical standards when it comes to crediting creators and respecting their work.
The consequences of unmoderated modding are far-reaching. Not only does it lead to the misattribution of credit for the hard work put in by creators, but it also opens the door to potential copyright issues. LeBreton points out that the lack of vetting in the mod browser allows for the upload of any kind of content, including copyrighted material or inappropriate creations.
In light of these concerns, there is a growing call for Bethesda and Zenimax, the companies behind the Doom remaster, to take action. The presence of a “report mod” button is seen as a step in the right direction, but LeBreton argues that the responsibility for moderating content should not be shifted onto the original creators. This places an unfair burden on creators who may not have the means or desire to police the unauthorized use of their work.
Ultimately, what is needed is a system of accountability within the mod browser. Creators must be properly credited for their work, and measures should be put in place to prevent the uploading of content without permission. This is not only about respecting the rights of creators but also about fostering a healthy and vibrant modding community.
The recent Doom remaster has brought to light the dangers of unmoderated modding. While the inclusion of a mod browser opens up exciting possibilities for players, it also presents challenges that need to be addressed. Moving forward, it is crucial for Bethesda and Zenimax to take proactive steps to ensure that creators are given the credit they deserve and that the integrity of the modding community is preserved. Failure to do so risks undermining the hard work and creativity of those who contribute to the vibrant world of Doom modding.
Leave a Reply