The debate over paid mods is once again in the spotlight after a crack for the high-profile Starfield DLSS mod was released.
Modder PureDark, who specialises in creating DLSS3 and DLSS2/FSR2/XeSS mods, sparked controversy by restricting access to their more advanced Starfield DLSS3 mod to $5-a-month Patreon supporters. The Digital Rights Management (DRM) used by the mod is an authenticator. According to DSOGaming, the mod does not require an active Patreon membership, so if you unsubscribe you can still pass authentication. Additionally, after the first authentication the mod will not ask for re-authentication.
When Starfield launched in early access form on September 1, it was confirmed that it does not include support for Nvidia’s widely popular supersampling tech, Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). The PC version of Starfield only officially includes support for one supersampling tech: AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), specifically the second iteration of FSR. The PC settings also do not support Intel's supersampling tech, Xe Super Sampling (XeSS).
Bethesda has drawn criticism from PC gamers for the decision, which was thought to have to do with AMD and Bethesda’s deal to make the GPU maker the “exclusive PC partner for Starfield”. AMD has insisted there is nothing stopping Bethesda from adding DLSS support if the developer wants to.
Which brings us to PureDark’s hugely popular Starfield DLSS2 mod, which is free from NexusMods, and their more advanced Starfield DLSS3 mod, which is locked behind PureDark’s 9,201 member Patreon. DLSS3 is a popular option among the PC gaming community because it features frame-generation as well as upscaling on newer 40-series Nvidia GPUs for a higher quality resolution.
Perhaps inevitably, there is now a crack for the mod itself, apparently created in response to PureDark’s decision to charge money for their work.
STARFIELD DLSS 3 FG Mod by PureDark Has Been CRACKED Already
— PC_Focus ? (@PC_enjoyer) September 3, 2023
Paid mods get what deserved for having DRM implemented ? pic.twitter.com/ex8tfUgIFa
The situation has brought to light the issue of paid mods. Some believe modders are within their rights to charge for their work, whereas others believe doing so goes against the spirit of mod making.
Paid mods have endured a troubled existence for years. In 2015, the introduction of paid mods into Valve’s Steam Workshop created significant controversy in the modding world and the PC gaming community at large, so much so that following one unfortunate situation involving borrowed assets, a heated reddit AMA with Valve's Gabe Newell, and what Valve referred to as a "dump truck of feedback" from critics, the paid mods programme was canned.
PureDark has shown no sign of reversing their decision, despite the existence of the crack. Meanwhile, Bethesda and Nvidia have yet to comment on the existence of the mod, which may spark a different kind of debate within their legal teams.
Starfield doesn’t launch proper until September 6, but its early access release has proven hugely popular on Steam and on Xbox. If you’re playing, check out IGN’s interactive Starfield map.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
