The recent release of a remastered edition of Doom and Doom II on Steam by Bethesda brought excitement among fans due to the added features and improvements. One of the new features is a built-in browser for mods, which allows players to access and play fan-made mods on the Steam version of Doom. However, this seemingly positive addition has a dark side. The mod browser lacks moderation, allowing individuals to upload mods created by other people with their own name credited as the author. This has sparked outrage within the Doom community, with some calling it “a massive breach of trust and violation of norms the Doom community has done its best to hold to for those 30 years.”
Prominent game designer Jean-Paul LeBreton expressed his disappointment with the recent Doom remaster and the lack of moderation within the mod browser. LeBreton, known for his work on games like the BioShock series, highlighted the issue of unauthorized uploads and the miscrediting of original creators. He pointed out that the mod browser consists of a vast collection of mods, with minimal vetting or moderation in place. This lack of oversight raises concerns about copyright infringement, as well as the unauthorized use of others’ work without proper credit.
Within the “Browse” section of the mod browser, there are over 700 mods available for players to explore, with limited filters and an easy upload process. LeBreton criticized this section as a “giant chum-bucket of random shit people have uploaded,” emphasizing the need for better moderation and credit control. Some mods may not even function correctly within the remastered edition, leading to a frustrating experience for players. The issue of individuals taking credit for someone else’s work has ignited a debate within the modding community, with concerns raised about the lack of accountability and respect for original creators.
Although there is a “report mod” button available, LeBreton argues that it places the burden of moderating content onto original creators. This proves to be challenging, especially within a modding culture that has been thriving for three decades, where some creators may have passed away or prefer not to engage in constant monitoring of their work. Moreover, some mods may be uploaded without the author’s permission, leading to further complications and disputes within the community. The issue of broken or incompatible mods adds to the frustration, as players may encounter issues when trying to enjoy user-generated content within the remastered edition.
As modders continue to express their concerns on platforms like Steam, there is a growing call for accountability and proper crediting of original creators within the mod browser. LeBreton made it clear that if any of his own Doom mods were to appear in the browser, it would be explicitly without his permission. This highlights the significance of respecting the intellectual property rights of creators and ensuring that they receive the recognition they deserve. The lack of moderation and oversight by Zenimax raises questions about the company’s commitment to supporting the modding community and upholding ethical practices.
The unmoderated release of the remastered edition of Doom and Doom II on Steam has revealed the dark side of the modding community, with unauthorized uploads and miscrediting of original creators becoming prominent issues. The lack of moderation within the mod browser has raised concerns about copyright infringement, broken mods, and the exploitation of creative work. Moving forward, it is essential for companies like Bethesda and Zenimax to prioritize proper crediting, moderation, and accountability within their platforms to ensure a positive and respectful environment for both modders and players alike. By addressing these issues and implementing better practices, the modding community can thrive and continue to create engaging content for fans of classic games like Doom.
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