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Add “Mod” as a Release Type in the Games Database

LaunchBox Games Database

📋 Summary

Add a “Mod” release type to the LaunchBox Games Database to better categorize PC game mods and similar content.

❗ Problem

There are many high quality and historically significant PC mods, but currently:

  • There is no dedicated “Mod” release type

  • Mods are often forced into categories that don’t accurately describe them

  • “ROM Hack” does not apply to non-ROM based projects

  • This creates inconsistency and confusion in classification

As the database grows, clearer categorization becomes more important.

💡 Proposal

Introduce a new Release Type: Mod in the Games Database:

  • Specifically for modifications of existing games

  • Primarily aimed at PC mods, but flexible enough for other applicable cases

  • Separate from:

    • ROM Hacks

    • Official Releases

    • Homebrew

This would allow mods to be properly identified and filtered.

📦 Benefits

  • Improves database clarity and organization

  • Prevents mislabeling of PC mods as ROM hacks

  • Makes it easier for users to filter and search for modded content

  • Better reflects the importance of modding in gaming history

💡 Notes

  • Could later support subcategories (e.g., total conversion, overhaul, balance mod)

  • Should not change how existing ROM Hack entries function

  • Clear moderation guidelines may be needed for edge cases

Posted by TheNewClassics ·
Status: Open To Community2 comments

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Comments2

  • AstroBob changed status to Open To Community
    Team•

    Feb 24

    Pinned

    Hi there!

    Thanks so much for submitting this request and for taking the time to explain your use case — that context is always super helpful.

    I’ve gone ahead and fleshed out the main idea using the info you provided, and I’m opening it up to the community for further discussion and feedback. Please let me know if this fleshed-out version doesn’t match your original intended request.

    Feel free to let me know if you have any extra thoughts, examples, or edge cases you think might be relevant!

    Cheers,
    The LaunchBox team

  • TheNewClassics

    •

    Feb 24

    Add "Mod" category to Release type in database

    Hey LB team,

    Has there been any thought as to adding a “Mod” release type in the DB? There are a ton of great PC mods worth adding; however, currently it’s difficult to categorize them properly. It’s not really a ROM hack since they aren’t ROMs. Another category could just provide further clarity.

    Thanks!