User:MarioHuezoYan/sandbox

Views on Mods as Labor
The view of modding, are those majorly being treated as Passionate art or unpaid labor is prevalent among the gaming community and industry. Game developing entices creation of many assets to make game, naturally modders are part of the discussions that surround video game work ethics and content labour. Modders have difficult time being recognized as legitimate creators. The game development industry had no intentions of seeing modders as such. Another reason why this is an issue seen on the gaming industry, is because modders make content that is new for already existing games. The shift of web 2.0 has changed the digital environment. making it possible to shift the productive paradigms, towards the prosummers. As it is in the case of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, where modders produce content that could easily be capitalized by game company Bethesda. The variety of the content(s) in modding a game, is as wide as the scope of the video game in question. Even going on as far as to establish themselves in creating even more engaging content than the original games.

The argument that modders should be given credit for their work in the industry is a prevalent one. Mods are usually a starting point for many creators in the that want to go into the industry. For example, ecpic games has been known for holding mod-making contests. the winner usually get cash as a price or licences that can be marketed or sold. Modding is an important source of innovation. in addition mods have the capacity extending the shell life of the original products and as such, increase customer loyalty. The Gaming press has played a role in the perception of mods. Magazines such as Computer Games make coverage of fan-content such unique projects and mods. the magazines would often be found alongside playable demos and DVD trailers, thus cementing a glamorous image on mods. Game designer build their portfolios with mods. Because of the, the idea is that a modder's free labor will get them an opportunity to peruse game development; at its core this is the general view of the industry.

A common perspective is seeing the moders as free workers who are waiting to be be exploited. The computer and game industry prefer hiring experienced developers rather than fans and players. even if web 2.0 has changed the shift of production, mods are still seen as "labor of love" and as means to give to the community; instead of being seen as contributors of games, modders do not usually get paid unless win competitions or earn in capital. the main problem surrounding many modders, is the commercialization and commodifying of their leisure time. one of the most important criticisms about the gaming industry, is its views and modding, such as the benefits the industry obtains by voluntary and non-profit activity do to the more flexible contributions they make to a released game.