Theoretically, one of the big advantages to Bethesda using its own launcher is complete control. Consoles have gotten better, but Steam still makes it really easy to update games, and lots of developers have praised its backend tools. This was especially true in the Xbox 360 era, when patching a game was a slow and expensive process for developers. One of Steam's major advantages over consoles is how easy its backend makes patching games. More control could mean faster or better updating That wouldn't be shocking for a multiplayer game, but the interface for those mods, at least, needs to impress.Īt least Bethesda is actively updating and improving its launcher. Maybe Bethesda decides to personally approve every mod, or only allow modding through something like the Creation Club, greatly limiting the types of mods that can be uploaded. It's also easy to see the potential pitfalls.

It could make mods feel like an integral part of Fallout 76, built right into its launcher rather than a tab on the Steam community hub. It could let Bethesda create a snazzy new interface with great search and browsing tools.

Proper mod support through the Bethesda launcher could be a best of both worlds situation, offering mod creators cross-platform support with consoles, and even the potential to do paid modding right, with the easy installation and freedom of a Workshop-like interface. If Steam Workshop isn't on the table, then Bethesda needs to offer something better. Bethesda has said that it's committed to mod support in Fallout 76, but that it won't arrive until after launch. For plenty of other games, though, we have to turn to outside tools like the Nexus Mod Manager, or deal with the headache of figuring out mod compatibility ourselves. For the most part, it's an 'it just works' solution for any game that has official support. Steam Workshop is a convenient way to install mods. Bethesda's mod tools need to be better than Steam Workshop Right now, Bethesda's mod portal for Skyrim exists online, rather than being built into its client.

Fallout shelter mods steam