Bethesda Softworks is now requiring all "Fallout 4" Xbox One mods to have Steam-linked Bethesda.net accounts before they can be uploaded.
According to Polygon, Bethesda meant this to function as an extra means of protecting PC mods from being illegally uploaded to consoles. As such, this change was implemented with the latest "Fallout 4" update, as the PlayStation 4 is being prepared for PC mod support, which is already implemented to the Xbox One.
After the May release of console mod support, a lot of PC modders complained that their works have been stolen and are being offered by non-official third-party websites like Nexus Mods and eventually uploaded to Bethesda's website for Xbox One use. Initially, Bethesda made sure that the original modders can file complaints under the DMCA in order to have the illegal copies removed.
However, according to Tech Times, anyone who spots stolen mods for this game should report it to the original creator in order for them to file a request to take it down. Furthermore, once the requirements are completed, the takedown request will be sent to ZeniMax media, the developer's parent company, via email.
While the efforts made by this company is laudable, the process is still met with mixed reactions. For one, siding with the mod developers and taking the initiative to protect their rights is certainly good, but the requirements that need to be fulfilled before filing takedown requests mean a lot of work to the developers. As such, a lot of modders would rather just make mods during their spare time.
Anyhow, with the closed beta for PlayStation 4 mods for "Fallout 4" almost ready, there are just a few issues still being fixed before it's released. Some of these include the PS4 mods' usage of PC textures, which could certainly lead to performance issues, as well as lack of sound file support and the 900MB storage cap.
