My Problem with Mods

An ongoing discussion that I've had with both myself and John is the topic of modifications to games.  Basically, I'd been at a loss for reasons to explain why I don't like mods.  It's a very odd opinion to have, because the ability to modify a game is a pretty central and important part of PC gaming.  It's probably the second most defining trait of the platform, and the second most important thing that makes PC gaming superior to console gaming.  (The first, naturally, is the ability to use the most state-of-the-art technology for far superior graphics and performance.)

I believe I have finally nailed down my distaste for mods.  And it happened today as I was reading an article about Day Z.

In a nutshell, the BIGGEST problem I have with mods when they change a game so completely that it becomes a totally different game.  And it's not that actual evolution that bothers me, but the problems that come with it.  Day Z is a perfect example, and as such, it's necessary that I explain just what Day Z is first before I delve into the problems that I have with it.

Day Z is a modification to ArmA II.  It is an open-world map infested with zombies.  You start a character on a beach, and there's no goal other than to scavenge for supplies in order to survive.  You can do this any number of ways, including killing other players.  It's what is called a "full modification", because it completely changes the original game.

That's the mod in a nutshell.  For the gameplay, here's what you need to know: When you start a character, you're on a beach with nothing.  It's up to you to explore and find what you need to survive.  The problem, of course, is that there are zombies around.  You need to avoid them until you have the means to kill them.  Additionally, there are bandits.  These are real players who simply go around killing everyone.  They can travel alone, or in groups.  That goes the same for you.  You can either go it alone, get your friends to play with you, or try to find other survivors in-game to stay with.

So now that you understand what this mod is, I'm going to tell you why I have a problem with it.  It's a simple case of wanting the support, polish, and generally good programming that comes from professionals.  That's where modding fails me.  I love that someone with a good idea can try and make it a reality through modding.  People who work for game developers are not the only people who can think up new, interesting, and most importantly GOOD ideas for games.  And while Day Z is a pretty amazing achievement for one person to accomplish as a side project, as a game it is a half-assed product at best.

That may seem harsh of me, right?  Allow me to explain to you why it's not.

For the last month, I've been listening to PC Gaming sites telling me how this mod is revolutionary.  How it provides an experience that hasn't been done in games before.  More interesting, however, is how people have been comparing it to actual games.  I've been listening to people talking about how it IS a game.  A stand-alone game.  And you know what?  Sure, it's a stand-alone game for the most part.  I've already said it's a full modification.  That basically says "New Game".  Hell, Counter-Strike started out that way.  Look where it is now.

The problem is, these same people who treat this mod as a stand-alone game and praise it for being so great and different then turn around and make light of the MAJOR problems the mod has by saying "Oh, it's only mod, so that's okay!"


No.  It is most certainly not okay.

You cannot treat a mod as a game without holding it to the standard of quality that you would expect from a game.  Sure, I understand that it's to be expected.  That's exactly why I have a problem with mods.  If you're going to tell me a game is really good, then for the love of Crom, that better be the case!  Telling me Day Z is really good with the issues that it currently has is a blatant lie. It's good...for a one man team.  And that is not good enough for me.

The bottom line is this:  When I play a game, I want it to work.  Simple, right?  If it doesn't work, I'm not going to play it, which is exactly the mentality I'm using for Day Z right now.  So, because it's been talked about so much recently, I think my irritation of constantly hearing about it is pretty warranted.  Release it as a game and I'll be on board with that.