Valve Just Changed How Mods Work On Steam

Summary

Valve has introduced a groundbreaking update to the Steam Workshop that addresses one of the biggest frustrations in modding—game updates breaking mods. With Workshop Item Versioning, modders can now upload multiple mod versions, and Steam will automatically match the correct version to the game you're playing, preventing crashes. This system, based on developer configuration, multiple mod versions, and an intelligent range system, ensures a smoother modding experience. While still in its early stages, this update shows Valve's commitment to treating modding as a core part of the Steam ecosystem, aiming to preserve the modding community’s hard work and protect players from disruptive updates.

Takeaways

• 😀 Modding purgatory occurs when a game update breaks mods, leaving players unable to enjoy their mods until they are updated.
• 😀 Valve is introducing a system to fix broken mods by using 'workshop item versioning' to allow multiple versions of a mod to exist simultaneously.
• 😀 The system ensures mods remain compatible with older game versions, even after updates, by allowing Steam to automatically match mods to the correct game version.
• 😀 Valve’s support of mods has historically been key to their success, with games like Counterstrike and Team Fortress originating from community-made mods.
• 😀 Workshop item versioning allows mod authors to upload different versions of the same mod for various game versions, preventing automatic mod updates that break older builds.
• 😀 The new system is based on three pillars: deliberate developer configuration, multiple simultaneous mod versions, and an intelligent range system.
• 😀 Game developers must explicitly enable version control, allowing them to manage multiple game builds for mod compatibility.
• 😀 The intelligent range system allows mod authors to define specific game version ranges for their mods, ensuring compatibility with older game versions.
• 😀 Steam will automatically download the appropriate mod version based on the player’s game version, eliminating the need for extra steps from the player.
• 😀 The system is opt-in, meaning developers and modders must take the necessary steps for it to work, and it won't fix all legacy mods or games not on Steam Workshop.

Q & A

What is 'modding purgatory' in gaming?

Modding purgatory refers to the situation where a game update breaks your mods, leaving you unable to use them until modders update their files. This often happens when a game developer releases an update that is incompatible with existing mods.

How has Valve addressed the issue of broken mods in their Steam Workshop update?

Valve introduced a new system called 'workshop item versioning', which allows modders to upload multiple versions of the same mod. This way, Steam can automatically select the correct version of a mod based on the user's game version, ensuring compatibility even after updates.

What is the significance of Valve's history with modding and its relation to the new update?

Valve has always supported modding as a core part of the gaming experience. Their success with games like Counterstrike, Team Fortress, and Dota, which originated as mods, shows how crucial modding is. This new update further reinforces Valve's commitment to modding as a central element of modern gaming.

Why do mods break when a game updates?

When a game is updated, its version branch changes. If a mod was designed for an older version of the game, it may no longer be compatible due to changes in the game's structure or mechanics, causing the mod to break.

How does Steam's new system handle different game versions?

With the new system, modders can upload different versions of their mods for different game versions. Steam can automatically detect which version of the game you are playing and only provide the corresponding mod version, ensuring compatibility.

What are the three main pillars of the new system introduced by Valve?

The three pillars are: 1) Developer configuration, where developers organize and name game branches in a chronological order. 2) Multiple simultaneous mod versions, allowing mods to support both old and new game versions. 3) The intelligent range system, where modders specify which game versions their mod supports, and Steam automatically selects the correct version for the player.

How does the new system benefit players who use older versions of a game?

If a player is using an older version of a game, Steam will automatically detect this and only offer mod versions compatible with that version of the game. This prevents players from downloading updates that would break their game.

How does this update compare to Nexus Mods in terms of modding control?

Nexus Mods has long been seen as the platform offering more control for modding, including versioning. Steam's new system now brings similar benefits, allowing modders to maintain older versions of their mods, making Steam a more competitive option for modders.

What is the 'Bethesda effect' and how does this update address it?

The 'Bethesda effect' refers to when a game update breaks key mods or tools, such as the Fallout 4 Script Extender. With the new system, Steam will ensure that players using mods like this stay on the correct version of the game until the modders have updated their mods, preventing games from becoming unplayable after an update.

What are the limitations of the new system for modding on Steam?

The system is opt-in, meaning three conditions must be met: the developer must set up version branches properly, the modder must tag their mods with version data, and the game must use the Steam Workshop. If any of these factors are missing, the system won’t be able to help.

Why is it important for players to encourage developers to use Steam's version control system?

Encouraging developers to use the system ensures that legacy game versions are supported and prevents mod breaks after updates. It also reduces complaints from players whose mods stop working after updates, making the experience smoother for everyone.