Modding – the creation and modification of game content by members of the gaming community – has been a popular source of extra content for some time. Sites like Nexus Mods host mods for various games, while Fortnite and Roblox allow for the creation of User-generated Content (UGC). Now, game modding startup ReadyCode aims to bring modding to the mainstream.
The company has secured €400k in seed funding from ffVC Tech & Gaming. ReadyCode plans to use the funding to gain customers in the AA/AAA sectors. Previously, ReadyCode received funding from SpeedUp VC, which provided the company with funding to build its product and add support for Unity‘s game engine.
Game mods already provide significant revenue in the game industry. User-generated content netted Roblox $2.2 billion in 2022. Likewise, Minecraft, which allows players to create content, sells 22 million copies yearly with 600 million active users. Further, Fortnite developer Epic Games has announced the Unreal Editor for Fortnite, a creation tool for the game. The integration of modding tools within platforms like Roblox and Fortnite is blurring the line between modding and playing, which in turn is enticing more players to join the modding community.
Today, AAA game developers recognise the value of the modding community. Mods lead to greater game sales and act as free advertising. For instance, the upcoming Fallout 4 mod, Fallout London, is reigniting interest in the base game.
Making modding easy
ReadyCode is simplifying the modding process. Previously, gamers had to reverse-engineer games to create modding tools. With the exception of modder-friendly developers like Bethesda, game developers rarely offer modder support. ReadyCode aims to make it easy for developers to support modders. Its new platform works with various game engines, including Unity, Unreal and custom engines, making it easy for developers to support modding. By offering modding tools within games, modders can quickly test and adjust their mods.
“We believe the game mod creator economy can become as big, if not bigger, than the video creator economy,” says Julius Kopczewski, ReadyCode co-founder and CTO.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
