Bethesda’s recent release of a remastered edition of Doom and Doom II on Steam has brought both excitement and disappointment to the gaming community. While the addition of extra episodes and improvements is a welcome change, there are some glaring issues that have tarnished the overall experience for fans. One of the most significant new features is the built-in browser for mods, allowing players to access a wide range of fan-made content. However, this feature has come with its fair share of problems, particularly in terms of moderation and proper credit for mod creators.
The mod browser in the remastered versions of Doom has raised concerns among the community, with many expressing outrage over the lack of moderation and accountability. The ability for users to upload mods and claim them as their own work has sparked controversy, with one level designer describing it 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 is echoed by other members of the gaming community, who feel that Bethesda and Zenimax have failed to uphold the integrity of the modding culture that has thrived for decades.
The process of installing and playing mods within the new Doom remasters is divided into two main avenues. The first is through the “Featured mods” section, where curated and officially endorsed mods are showcased with proper credits. This section highlights notable mods such as Sigil 2 by Romero Games and Harmony by Thomas van der Velden. However, the real issue lies in the “Browse” section, where a plethora of mods, some of questionable quality, are available for download. According to critics, this section has become a “giant chum-bucket of random shit people have uploaded,” lacking in proper moderation and vetting processes.
The core problem with the mod browser stems from the lack of accountability and respect for original creators. Users are able to upload mods without permission, potentially infringing on copyright laws and claiming credit for work they did not create. This issue is compounded by the fact that there is minimal oversight in place, with little vetting of the content that is being uploaded. As a result, many mods are improperly credited, leading to confusion and frustration among both creators and players.
The repercussions of this flawed system are far-reaching, with some mods being broken or incompatible with the remastered version of Doom. Popular mods like MyHouse.wad have been uploaded without permission from the original authors, leading to technical issues and misrepresentation of the work. The burden of ensuring proper credit and functionality falls on the shoulders of the original creators, placing an unfair and unnecessary strain on an already established modding culture.
As the controversy surrounding Bethesda’s remastered edition of Doom continues to unfold, it is clear that there is a pressing need for greater moderation and accountability within the modding community. While the potential for creativity and collaboration is immense, it must be balanced with respect for original creators and adherence to ethical standards. Bethesda and Zenimax must take proactive steps to address these issues and ensure that modders are credited correctly and their work is respected. Ultimately, the future of the Doom community hinges on the ability to navigate these challenges and uphold the values that have defined it for over three decades.
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