“I respect mods; they give life to the PC.” The never-ending battle against mods has found an ally in Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Hamaguchi, a PC gamer himself, not only uses mods but also views them as an essential and beneficial part of the gaming world.

Mods have long been a cornerstone of PC gaming. From minor quality-of-life tweaks to full-scale projects adding as much content as a standalone game, mods come in all shapes and sizes. Yet, some studios persist in their opposition to user-generated content. Amid this love-hate relationship, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi has voiced his strong support for mods, emphasizing their positive impact on both the longevity and perception of games.

Recently, the debate over mods has reignited headlines. Notable examples include Rockstar’s cancellation of the Liberty City mod and the creators of Code Violet shelving the game’s PC release due to concerns about provocative mods for its protagonist. These incidents sparked heated discussions and drew considerable ire from the gaming community.

While Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida urged fans to refrain from going overboard with “weird mods,” he acknowledged their contribution to enriching the gaming experience. Hamaguchi echoed this sentiment in an interview with Automaton, praising the modding community and sharing his personal take on the matter.

“As a PC gamer, I occasionally use mods,” Hamaguchi admitted. “I’m aware that mods are widely embraced by the community and bring enjoyment to many players. I see this as a positive aspect.” His comments reflect an open stance on game modifications and highlight their role in the broader PC gaming ecosystem.

Mods: Enhancing and Transforming Games

Hamaguchi emphasized the wide variety of mods, from UI enhancements to major overhauls like costume and gameplay modifications. “Some mods might surprise players, so I encourage users to research what they’re installing and for creators to consider their audience,” he said.

Moreover, he acknowledged the pivotal role mods have played in the growth of the PC market. “I respect the modding community,” he stated. “Mods have been instrumental in driving the PC market forward. Titles like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls have remained relevant thanks to modders who continue to create content years after release.”

Hamaguchi also highlighted the efficiency of modding communities in addressing issues. “Volunteer groups often respond faster than companies, fostering an exciting atmosphere,” he noted. “It’s a fascinating market,” he concluded.

Source: 3djuegos