Modders can be very valuable for a gaming community, allowing games where interest might otherwise fizzle out to have new life.  Maybe it's more relevant and valuable for FPS games than RTS, but modders' efforts shouldn't be discounted.  They essentially increase the value of the game that you own because they are providing you with free content.

Right now mods aren't very viable for online multiplayer PvP simply because so few people play online.  However, it's conceivable that if Rebellion were a big hit and thousands of people played it online that mods might become viable for PvP.

What if someone developed a mod that encouraged people to log on and start playing real games?  The right mod could be beneficial to the PvP community in various ways.

Also, consider the possibility that we might need a mod to improve the PvP game.  Suppose that the addition of the Titans (or Corsairs, etc.) isn't good for game play and we wanted a mod that just removed them completely.  It's a modder who would make the mod for us.

Many people who just play the games might not understand that modding and mapping in and of itself is a legitimate hobby.  I haven't done any Sins modding, but I've made a couple capture-the-flag maps for the original Unreal Tournament (1999) (which takes about 1000x more effort than making a Sins map), and I can say that the purpose of doing it is to enjoy the process of building something that other people can enjoy.  It's like an adult Lego or TinkerToy set, except other people can enjoy your creation and you have the opportunity to improve the game by offering better maps/mods.

There's also a competitive and ego-boosting aspect to mapping and modding.  You take pride in other people's enjoying your creation.  You feel good when your map or mod becomes popular.  At least for FPS mapping, it can be kind of competitive.  There were even map-making contests back in the day.  ("Who can make the best Halloween-themed map in 24 hours?")  There was even a Dr. Seuss-themed map making contest once.

SWEET. I am out of classes most of that month. Great times...

If we ever get "on-the-fly" online map and mod sharing going, mods will become really popular.

I like modders. I also wish I could get Beta right about now because my Tribes 2 tournament is over and I am looking to get away from that. Aaaaaaaaaaargh!

Damn I can't wait to play this game, I already have a few strategies in my head (though they could be gigantic failures).

Let us return to the OP's nerdgasm.  

Since our betas are really meant for testing and not just marketing stunts, they tend to be pretty focused. Beta 1 will include TEC Loyalists and Rebels only so that we can get feedback on their balance and deal with any general technical issues from the engine updates.

I <3 modders, but I recommend not going crazy with Beta 1 so that you don't have to go back through and re-update your files again. Better to wait until one of the later betas when things are more finalized.

Yarlen:Disculpa, se que es una pregunta que no tiene que ver con este post pero creo de no hacer un post solo por esto... ¿habra alguna posibilidad que rebellion este en algun momento... año... en español? ¿y el juego "elemental war of magic" desde siempre lo quise comprar, pero en ingles se me complica (parece complejo el juego) y por ningun lado encuentro alguna traduccion...?

desde ya muchas gracias

There isn't much point in modding the beta other than for self-gratification.  Diplomacy is actually "mature" and modding efforts are best there now.  I think Diplomacy is almost as updated as it can be.

Language packs would be awesome for the game.

That comment reminds me of the 1st beta for Twilight of the Anor: 3 civs in for testing purpouses.  Out of curiosity is there a VAGUE timeframe you can give us to expect e-mails with out steam keys (ie March 5-9)? 

TEC Wars!  The first Rebellion beta!

for this u will burn in hell

after u die of aids

thx for  major unbalacing of tec  and killing most enjoyable feature of the game

Hey, not my fault they didn't include my proposed buffs to Vasari such as:

• DPS buff to skirmisher
• Reduction of PM chance to bypass shields coupled with increase to base DPS of all PM units (which would have actually made kanraks much better early game)
• Bringing all wave cannon techs to two tiers lower
• Buffing colony pods on Orky SB
• Significantly improved version of subversion (on the marauder) that, among other things, prevented planet from regenerating health
• Buffs to the Vasari scout's phase cloak ability (changed AI use time to make it autocast more intelligently)

So nice of you Qu4r to always conveniently forget all the Vasari buffs I've advocated since before v1.2...

Yes...because I speak on behalf of all SD, mind control all the developers, and am personally responsible for all changes incorporated into the game...

I wish I had those mind control powers.

Honestly, we haven't determined this yet. If there's enough demand and it comes right down to it, I suppose I can Google Translate the strings.

A bit off topic, but I've been thinking of this whole Rebellion on Steam thing, and I've got a, likely crazy, suggestion for the folks down at Stardock; make a single-player only version of Rebellion sold via Stardock's download market thingy. It would have no multiplayer, either online or LAN, and maybe would cost a bit less due to this. While I'm unsure of how difficult it would be to edit the MP portions out of the engine, it would allow for those who wish to play Rebellion and avoid Steam to do so, and would not damage or cut into the push for a larger multiplayer community. In addition, as it would be published via Stardock's own site/network, Stardock gets the full profit for the game, versus having part of it "deducted" when someone purchases a copy via Steam.

Would be nice but what happens when all of a sudden: "Oh I kinda actually want to play MP". Then you be kinda screwed there since you have to pay for both copies? I have a hard time believing that you are gonna stick to SP the entire time since everybody changes around from time to time despite what you may think. It's inevitable.

I think due to that logic, there isn't a point to just making a SP only version since it probably be a waste of time and a hassle for those who do change. Maybe you can upgrade for a small amount but I don't like paying twice for essentially the same thing but with more "people". You might as well go full out by then.

All insignificant , meaningless

Whats matter is  demobots major buff , kosturas,  and subverters nerf

Do you really cant distingish importad and unimportant factor , or r u such dump?

PS i blame u

If i was dev i wopid do anything just not to read your ovelonged but wishy-washy posts

Then buy the Steam version, which has both. This suggestion was mainly geared towards people who like Rebellion but refuse to deal with Steam; it DOES NOT suggest in any way that people should "have to" get the Stardock version in order to buy the Steam version or some sort of crazy shenanigans, I don't really get what you are trying to say with your post. Plus, it's your fault if you get buyers remorse.

How is a DPS boost to skirmishers and kanraks meaningless?

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the mods, I've enjoyed trying them out with some online  and LAN play with friends. 

I hope to see more of the good work your doing, and with some of it going into the next release, that is awesome.

Just thought you could do with some thanks for your efforts.

The most moding I've done for Sins is through installing mods and creating maps.

Currently testing them with friends is fun and we are looking forward to Rebellion and better online support.

My favourite mod to date is the Star Wars Requiem mod. Mainly as a Star Wars fan, and the inclusion of two new factions.

Personally modders are a great thing to have in any game. i have really enjoyed playing the mods especially SotF and the Sacrifice of Angels mods. It adds a new aspect to the game that can help the developers use in new updates and new ideas. Modders are an very important part of the gaming community so dont go hating just yet. Plus alot of the reason why people mod is because they want to make a career in gaming or they just love to do what they do so dont be hatting on the modders!

Looks like I'll be playing TEC loyalists first then.

I will be on 24/7 in march!!! Bring it on baby!