In general, driving simulators rarely allow users to create or modify content through mods. This is because driving simulators are usually very complex and detailed games, and the game creators want to maintain control over the content and quality of the game.
However, some simulators do allow the creation and use of mods, which can enrich the gaming experience and extend the lifespan of the simulator.
In its latest update, Automobilista 2 has started to offer support for mods recently. Reiza Studios maintains that the Madness Engine was not specifically created for modding, but recognizes that support for mods can be beneficial in extending the lifespan of the game. While nothing has been decided definitively yet, the company is “exploring some achievable measures to try and mitigate some of those difficulties” regarding mod creation.
Official notes:
Modding Support – As has been stated from the beginning, Automobilista 2 and the Madness engine were not designed as a modding platform but that does not mean modding isn´t welcome – we are aware how critical modding is for the longevity of any game, and we are pleased to see that some intrepid modders are already taking on the challenge, with some success cases beginning to pop up.
Because the game was not designed as a modding platform, both creating and installing mods for Automobilista 2 still is a somewhat cumbersome process, and while it´s unlikely it will ever be as smooth as other platforms designed for that purpose, we are looking into some achievable measures to try at least reduce some of those difficulties, and also plan on offering some resources / information for serious modding teams looking to bring their scratch-made content to the sim. We will also soon offer an AMS2 Modding subforum for users to share info and resources for modding in AMS2.
Modders are people who create and modify content for games, including driving simulators. This community is very active and passionate, and they often spend a lot of time and effort creating mods that improve the gameplay experience and add new features and content. Mods can also help keep a simulator alive, as they can attract new players and offer a fresher, more exciting gameplay experience.
Reiza Studios hopes to offer resources and a subforum for modders to have a shared database. This will allow them to share their work with other modders and the community at large, which can drive creativity and innovation in the world of mods.
With the inclusion of mods, Automobilista 2 will remain more alive than ever with better content.
See you on the track!
You think sims aren’t generally moddable? Almost all major sims are explicitly moddable, or have had inventive people build tools to facilitate modding.
IndyCar Racing 2, NASCAR Racing 1-3 and 2002-2003, SCGT, GPL, GP2-4, the ISI generation of EA’s F1 games (concluding with F1C), rFactor and rFactor 2, NetKar, RBR, Assetto Corsa, BeamNG, the Trackmania series… Even LFS and Project CARS are moddable.
The only major sim racing titles that aren’t moddable are iRacing and… What else? AMS2 has already been seeing some mods as well.
In general, racing sims have historically always had a thriving modding scene around them, with some (the rF series in particular) being explicitly marketed as a modding platform.