Nexus Mods, the most commonly used source of game mods on the internet, has declared it is now requiring AI disclosures on all submissions. The new owner of the site, Victor “Foledinho” Folmann, has written a post explaining the decision in great detail, having reaching the conclusion based on numerous discussions with the community, while apologizing for having taken so long to prioritize the issue.
Many had been pushing for an outright ban on AI-based mods on the site, and Folmann immediately makes clear that’s not the decision that’s been made. Why? “The answer is simple,” he explains. “AI is currently used throughout the whole process of creation, from script autocompletion to generation of textures, voices, and full assets, and it is difficult to draw a clear boundary between what is acceptable and unacceptable. An outright ban will not eliminate AI from the modding process but will prevent people from mentioning its use.”
Instead, Nexus Mods will now require mods created using any form of AI declare this, including how and where it is used. AI tags will also be mandatory, and they will be more prominently displayed, immediately after any adult content tags. There are also new rules that those using AI in mod creation must “meet criteria regarding permissions, transparency, presentation and conduct.”
At the same time, the rules are changing for those who wish to use others’ mods in their own derivative works, and whether they can be used for AI training. By default these permissions will be set to “ask me,” requiring that others seek permission from creators in advance, but can be set to outright ban such activity, or allow it freely. This will also allow for better attribution, which is very welcome in such a community.
Like Itch.io’s recent changes regarding AI use, Nexus Mods will also allow users to change their own settings to prevent AI-using mods from appearing in search and suggestions. And just like Itch, there are also plans in place to prevent single uploaders from dominating the Recently Added pages.
Folmann is aware this won’t immediately fix all of the problems, and indeed that people can still exploit the system. “While we hope these changes will encourage everyone to disclose their AI usage,” the post reads, “to be honest, that’s not going to happen. Additionally, we are putting clear moderation standards in place, enforced with consequences for breaking the rules.” However, the hope is that most will comply with the new rules, and there’s a grace period of 60 days for newer mods to update their pages with the relevant details.
All of Nexus Mods’ new AI rules can be found here.
