User Mods

From The Elder Scrolls - Wiki on Neoseeker

Background

User Mods (can also be referred to as 'Unofficial Plugins'), are user created game content designed to add to, or modify a game. In the case of the Elder Scrolls games, they can range from something as simple as adding/altering a weapon or item, to a complete overhaul of the game play system and design, and everything in-between.

The purpose of User Mods is to increase the longevity of a game, as well as to change certain things about the game that may be undesirable for the user. User Mods are entirely optional.

This is beneficial to both the player using User Mods, as well as the company that supports it. Without User Mods, interest in a game may dry up sooner than it otherwise would. It adds an extra reason for a user to purchase the game (in the case of Morrowind and Oblivion, the possibility of the user purchasing both a console and PC version of the game).

However, unlike Official Mods (can also be referred to as 'Official Plugins'), support is limited to the individual/group that created the content, and any bugs/issues that arise should be discussed with them. User created content is generally more buggy than Official Mods, and are prone to compatibility issues with other user generated content. Official Mods are tested carefully to make sure that few (if any) problems arise from using them with other official mods. Unofficial Mods are to be used at your own risk.

Official Support

Bethesda Softworks encourages modding.

Bethesda Softworks released a Construction Set for both The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.

Thus far, only the PC versions are supported, and there is no indication that console versions of the currently available Elder Scrolls games will ever receive similar support, and nor has there been any indication that future console versions of Elder Scroll games will receive such support.

Construction Set

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Construction Set is available for download at:

The Elder Scrolls Nexus (Req. Registration)
Gamespot (req. Registration)
The Elder Scrolls Nexus (Italian, Req. Registration)

System Requirements

(Taken from a readme file)

Note that adding user mods to the game may decrease performance.

-Minimum System Requirements:

Windows XP
512MB System RAM
2 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor
8x DVD-ROM Drive
4.6 GB free hard disk space
DirectX 9.0c (included)
128MB Direct3D Compatible Video card and DirectX 9.0 compatible driver
DirectX 8.1 Compatible Sound Card
Keyboard, Mouse

-Recommended System Requirements:

3.0 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor
1 GB System RAM (2 GB of System RAM to use Heightmap Editing)
ATI X800 series, Nvidia GeForce 6800 series, or higher video card

-Supported Video Card Chipsets: ATI X1900 series ATI X1800 series ATI X1600 series ATI X1300 series ATI X850 series ATI x800 series ATI x700 series ATI x600 series ATI Radeon 9800 series ATI Radeon 9700 series ATI Radeon 9600 series ATI Radeon 9500 series NVIDIA Geforce 7800 series NVIDIA GeForce 6800 series NVIDIA GeForce 6600 series NVIDIA GeForce 6200 series NVIDIA GeForce FX series

VIDEO -Regardless of your video card, make sure to download the latest drivers from your manufacturer.