Terminology & Categorising Mods

[Necr0n0mUK]

Hi guys,

 

I am currently writing a dissertation on modding and I am looking to categorise the types of mods that can be made to a game. I feel that with the extensive library we have now, it is not possible to use only 'total conversion' and 'partial conversion'. I found the following table in a textbook (see attached) but feel that this is also very insufficient.

 

I would say that mods can be placed on a spectrum, starting with a total conversion, then a total overhaul, then partial conversions and add-ons. I would also add in unofficial patches and art mods outwith this spectrum.

 

What do you guys think?

[Signette]

I'm not really sure what your point is, but for the reference, Skyrim has 50+ different categories for mods, and most more or less popular games with active and live modding communities has about similar number.

[Necr0n0mUK]

Browsing through the 'categories' section of, for example, Skyrim, isn't too great either. Most of the categories I would maybe describe as 'add-ons'. I'm trying to pinpoint types of mods on a spectrum, with 'total conversion' at one end - being the largest change. Then next to that I would probably put 'overhaul', as its not as big a change as a total conversion (e.g. Long War 2 for XCOM 2). That's where I get a bit stuck because it becomes more difficult. You could group a bunch of mods into one big category of add-ons but reskinning an item is far easier than creating a new item altogether. It may sound tedious but it is for a piece of academic research.