mod.io secures funding to expand their cross-platform and cross-store modding service

mod.io is a cross-store and cross-platform modding solution founded by Scott Reismanis (Mod DB, Indie DB) and it appears they're expanding to bring their fancy modding tech to everyone.

Like the Steam Workshop, it allows you to subscribe to mods on various games and easily get user-generated content like maps, items and all sorts. However, since it's not locked-down it can work pretty much anywhere (and yes, Linux too!). Some games we have already use it like Descenders, 0 A.D, openXcom and others.

mod.io is a "clientless API", allowing developers to easily add it into their games with their own UI so users don't need anything extra (no pesky additional launchers) and it also has plugins for Unity and Unreal. So games across Steam, GOG, itch.io, Humble Store and all the others could have access to the same modding community which is an awesome thing.

Today, they've announced their first "seed round" (a form of early investment into a platform) with mod.io teaming up with Play Ventures for this.

"Creating a constant flow of content updates is expensive and time-consuming for developers. mod.io helps them cut all that stress and cost away by tapping into the creative power of their players," said Scott Reismanis, CEO. He added, "It’s a win-win for developers, creators and players. Developers and creators benefit from an in-game UGC economy, and players stay engaged playing and creating mods for their favourite games."

Mike Rose of No More Robots, publisher of Descenders said, "Working with mod.io was one of the best things we've done. It's brought in a whole new range of players, and made supporting our modding community a breeze."

From what Reismanis told me, they will be using the money to "expand the number of platforms mod.io supports and work with more developers who want a ready to go complete modding solution".

I'm a big fan of open APIs and cross-platform tech, so mod.io is exactly the kind of thing we want to see more of. Having mods and maps locked down to one store is a nuisance and not good for consumers, so I do think mod.io have a great idea if they can continue building on it. I just hope that the funding they get won't cause any long-term issues for them.

They're off to a good start too with over eighty thousand mods and over twenty million downloads, that's across the currently thirty one games total signed up to it. See all the info on mod.io if you're interested in seeing more.