The Glade 4.0

So people have a problem with content creators being able to monetize their work?

Yes. Almost none of it is worth a dime. Where's the quality control going to be? I've downloaded plenty of mods that LOOKED way better than they turned out to be.

Yes. Almost none of it is worth a dime. Where's the quality control going to be? I've downloaded plenty of mods that LOOKED way better than they turned out to be.

THE MARKET WILL DECIDE

You could say the same thing about things sold on television between the hours of 3 and 6am. Or on Google Play for that matter.

THAT DIDN’T TAKE LONG. FIRST SKYRIM PAID MOD REMOVED FOR INCLUDING OTHER MODDER’S WORK

Valve and Bethesda’s experiment with paid mods couldn’t make it a day without controversy.

Destructoid spotted the controversy as it happened. You can see screenshots of the now deleted comments on their site.

Here’s what went down.

One of the mods available to purchase yesterday was a fishing mod from modders Chesko and aqqh. Valve even promoted it on the new Steam Workshop page (it has since been replaced).

There was just one problem. The fishing mod contained assets from another mod – Fore’s New Idles in Skyrim. And, it was used without his permission.

It all started when one steam user, Devon, asked Chesko, “I wonder whether you have any permission from Fores New Idles in Skyrim to use his assets in your mod that you charge money for?”

Fore jumped in and said, “No, he has not.”

Fore also gave his opinion about yesterday’s announcement for paid mods.

“And making money with mods is totally against my attitude. It’s the end of a working and inventive modding community,” Fore wrote.

Chesko offered this explanation.

“I would like to make it clear that I have been under a non-disclosure agreement for over a month, and was unable (not unwilling) to contact others,” Chesko wrote.

Chesko continued, “I asked Valve specifically about content that requires other content, and was told that if the download is separate and free, it was fair game. In the case of this mod, the animations are not required and the mod continues to work. However I will defer to Fore’s decision, which will issue a refund to all subscribers.”

This is the exact situation most people were concerned about with yesterday’s announcement.

It’s funny Valve/Bethesda didn’t even vet the initial batch of paid mods. I know Valve/Bethesda won’t be able to check all the mods now, but at least double check your first batch.

I wrote yesterday that Valve’s biggest issue will be policing against people using others work without permission. I just didn’t think it would happen this fast.

Valve does have ways for modders to address concerns of others using their work. Valve’s FAQ says concerned modders can issue a DMCA takedown notice.

Valve also lets items with multiple modders split revenue. But, all the modders have to give permission for their content to be used.

The first day was a bumpy one for Skyrim paid mods. What do you think it will look like after a few months?

And Valve's cancelled the program. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

http://steamcommunity.com/games/SteamWo ... 5253244218

We're going to remove the payment feature from the Skyrim workshop. For anyone who spent money on a mod, we'll be refunding you the complete amount. We talked to the team at Bethesda and they agree.

We've done this because it's clear we didn't understand exactly what we were doing.