What are game mods? Game mods (short for modifications) are user-created content that changes or enhances a video game. Mods can range from new gameplay mechanics, storylines, characters, or assets like textures and skins to even more complex alterations such as total conversions or a new game mode.

Can I make money from game mods? Yes, but monetizing game mods can be tricky and depends on the game, the modding community, and how you choose to distribute your mods. Some platforms and games allow mod creators to earn money, while others prohibit it due to legal or community concerns.

What are the legal considerations when monetizing game mods?

Intellectual Property (IP): Many game developers own the rights to their games and any modifications. If a mod uses the original game assets or intellectual property, the developer or publisher can claim ownership.

Licensing Agreements: Some games have licensing agreements or terms of service that restrict monetization of mods.

Fair Use: Mods that significantly change the game (in fact, create an entirely new experience) may be protected under fair use, but that depends on the jurisdiction and facts of the case.

How do game mods make money?

Patreon: Allow fans to sign up for paid subscriptions to help fund your development of mods.

Donations: Through PayPal or Ko-fi, let fans donate money one time to support your mods.

Sell Mods: Some mods, especially big or high-quality ones, can be sold on platforms like Steam (via the Steam Workshop) or Nexus Mods.

Crowdfunding: Fund bigger mod projects using Kickstarter or Indiegogo before releasing them.

Ad Revenue: You can make YouTube videos, guides, or tutorials about your mod and monetize them with ads.

Which games enable modders to monetize their mods? Some games explicitly allow modders to monetize their work. Popular games with monetization options include:

Skyrim (via the Steam Workshop and Bethesda.net).

Minecraft (through mods and custom servers).

The Elder Scrolls Online (via in-game purchases like DLCs or mods).

Garry’s Mod (via the Steam Workshop, where creators can sell content).

Can I sell my mods on Steam? Sure. Steam does allow modders to sell content in the Steam Workshop. However, it is only available for specific games, like Skyrim, and only if your mod does meet certain criteria established by those games. Generally speaking, mods that deliver lots of value (such as new game systems or significant assets) tend to be fine.

How do I set up a Patreon for my mods?

Create a Patreon account and set up your profile.

Offer exclusive content or early access to your mods for Patreon supporters.

Set different membership tiers that offer various benefits, like custom mods, personal requests, etc.

Promote your Patreon on your modding community pages and through social media to build your supporter base.

Are there other places where I can sell my mods directly? Yes, other than Steam, you can also sell or collect donations for your mods on:

Nexus Mods: A widely popular site where you can freely share your mods and accept donations.

ModDB: A gaming mod platform offering a chance to earn money through donations or advertising.

Gumroad: Simple enough to use in selling digital content, one may sell his/her mods directly to customers.

The Steam Workshop is the Steam feature through which modders upload and share mods with the community. In a game that is mod-enabled (for example, Skyrim or Cities: Skylines), modders are able to sell their mods directly through the Workshop. Players are also able to browse, download, and rate the mods. A good rating by the player might improve the visibility of the mod.

How do I sell a mod in the Steam Workshop?

Create your Steam account, then go into Steamworks.

Your game of choice should have Workshop support as well as allowing you to monetize through mods.

Submit your mod to Steam with detailed description and images.

Set the price for the mod or donate-free with donations.

Steam’s community guidelines will apply, so does the game developer’s rules of what can and cannot be modded or sold.

Can I use third-party assets in my mods if I want to monetize them? Generally, no. Using third-party assets (like art, music, or models) in your mods without permission can lead to legal issues. You need to either create original content or ensure you have the proper rights to use any external assets. Some modding platforms require you to prove you have permission for any third-party content.

Can I monetize free-to-play game mods? The monetization policies of free-to-play games tend to be very strict because, after all, the game itself is free. Instead, it makes money from in-game microtransactions. Generally speaking, monetizing free-to-play game mods is against the terms of service of the game. Always refer to the game’s terms of service or the developer for proper guidance.

What are the dangers of monetizing game mods?

Copyright violations: If your mod uses the original game’s assets or IP, the game developer or publisher could issue a takedown or sue you.

Community backlash: Some modding communities disapprove of monetization, especially if the mod is seen as taking advantage of the game or its fanbase.

Platform policies: In case your mod is found in a platform like Steam or Nexus Mods, violation of guidelines leads to removal of the mod or banning of the account.

Alternatives to selling game mods

You might not be able to sell your mods from within the game. Consider these alternatives:

Donations: Create a link through PayPal, Ko-fi, for donating to support your work.

Crowdfunding: Create a Kickstarter campaign for big modding projects.

Content creation monetization: Create tutorial modding or gameplay videos and post them on YouTube, Twitch, or similar channels to receive money from advertising.

How do I promote my mod to receive more downloads or donations?

Social Media: Publish your mod in your Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook.

Modding Communities: Post your mod on modding forums (like Nexus Mods, ModDB) and ask for feedback or reviews.

YouTube/Twitch: Create videos or streams showcasing your mod to attract attention and drive downloads.

Collaborations: Team up with other modders or influencers to cross-promote each other’s content.

I can create a subscription model for my mods, correct? Yes, some modders use Patreon, for example, to provide a subscription model wherein users pay for early access or exclusive mods and/or premium content. Even tiered memberships can provide various benefits at various price points.

Are there taxes on earning money with mods? Any amount earned through the selling of mods, whether by donations, sales, or Patreon, is usually subject to being taxed. Be sure to monitor your earnings and report them to a tax professional in your area to ensure tax compliance.

How do I prevent my mods from being stolen or plagiarized?

Watermark your content: Add your name or logo to assets so that it becomes more difficult for others to steal them.

License your mods: If possible, license your mod under a specific license (like Creative Commons) to clarify what others can or cannot do with your work.

Distribute through trusted platforms: Use platforms that offer mod management and prevent direct downloading or redistribution without permission.

Mods can also be added to the original game for profit. A few games, especially open-world or sandbox style, will permit modders to integrate their mods into official game content, but this usually needs approval from the developers and is often only possible with specific monetization agreements in place. Be sure to check the game’s modding guidelines.

Is it worth monetizing small mods or just offering them for free? It depends on the scale and complexity of the mod. For smaller mods, it might be better to offer them for free to build your reputation in the community. Larger or more complex mods with substantial content might justify monetization.

Can I monetize ads on modded content, like YouTube videos of my mods? Yes, you can monetize videos featuring your mods through YouTube ads, as long as the game and mod content aren’t copyrighted or infringing on rights. Keep in mind the game’s Terms of Service to make sure you’re not violating any rules.

Can I sell a mod that corrects bugs in the game? Selling bug-fixing mods is somewhat of a gray area. If the game developer has published a modding API or allows community-made patches, but it is legal, best to obtain permission beforehand to prevent any potential legal issues.

Do I need permission to sell mods from the game developer? In most cases, yes. Many game developers have specific policies or licenses pertaining to the use of their intellectual property, even if the game supports mods. It’s essential to consult the developer’s modding guidelines and terms of service to ensure that you are not violating any rules.

Can I build a paid modding community? You can establish a community that provides paid content or services associated with mods, like exclusive access to certain mods, custom modding tools, or tutorials. However, ensure that your offerings comply with the game’s modding policies and community guidelines.

What are the future trends for modding and monetization? As modding communities grow, and so do platforms like Steam and Patreon, the future of mod monetization may see even more game developers offer formal opportunities in order for modders to earn some money. Crowdfunding, donation-based monetization, and new revenue-sharing models may become even more common as the gaming industry gets into community-driven content.

Monetizing game mods is a rewarding hobby, but legal considerations, community guidelines, and the best platform for your work must be found. Whether through direct sales, donations, or crowdfunding, there are many ways to turn passion for modding into a sustainable source of income.