Surge72 10 Posted June 26, 2009 Hi all, I have a simple question. What is the difference between an 'addon' and a 'mod'? Would a mission come under the heading of a 'mod', perhaps? Thanks in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tpM 478 Posted June 26, 2009 (edited) Mod if it modifies an already existing stuff in the game (effects, anims etc). Addon if it adds something new (units, weapons etc). Edited June 26, 2009 by tpM Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Surge72 10 Posted June 26, 2009 Thanks for the quick and straight forward reply :). Much appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JdB 151 Posted June 26, 2009 (edited) That's one person's opinion, not the law. I personally define a mod as a collection of new human models, vehicles, aircraft etc with a new GUI, effects, scripting, sounds and campaign. An addon to me is a collection of new human models, vehicles or aircraft (or a mix). Sometimes it has new possibilities, like transporting cargo (like the BAS CH-47 in OFP). Addons often come with a sample mission or two, but rarely with an extended campaign. Then there are the total conversions (that term is not used very often in this community) that alter virtually every aspect of the game, and often even change the period of time in which the "game" takes place. Addons are more limited in scope than mods, and mods are more limited than total conversions. That still is only a general description, since some addons contain more content than some mods, and some mods lack content that is often associated with a mod (like a campaign). Edited June 26, 2009 by JdB Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
max power 21 Posted June 26, 2009 A mod is composed of addons, etc. towards a single theme. For example, I44 is a mod composed of Infantry and vehicle addons and other things. Addons are called addons because they must go in a directory called 'Addons' for them to work in the game engine. The directory called ArmA\Addons, for example, contains all of the information for all of the units in ArmA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quiet_man 8 Posted June 26, 2009 a pretty good question. For game objects it seams quite clear as you modify existing or add new. For missions and effects it is more complicated. If you "add" new effects that appear also in existing missions you "modify" the game. Adding a new campain using addons is usualy called "mod" as you change the gameplay. So the difference between "Addon" and "Mods" depends on what is added/modified. I would say the previous posters do not contradict as they are talking about different sides of the game. I suggest you forget what I'm writing as I miss the point myself ;) QuietMan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Dawg KS 6 Posted June 26, 2009 Surge72 said: What is the difference between an 'addon' and a 'mod'? Would a mission come under the heading of a 'mod', perhaps? 'Mod' makes it sound like you did more work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JdB 151 Posted June 26, 2009 Big Dawg KS said: 'Mod' makes it sound like you did more work. You'd have to make a pretty substantial addonpack to match what most mod teams have put in their mods. That's another trait of mods, you typically need more people to make them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Dawg KS 6 Posted June 27, 2009 Hence the reason for what I said. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
.kju 3245 Posted June 27, 2009 A mod(ifcation) is a collection of add(iti)ons made work well together. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JdB 151 Posted June 27, 2009 Big Dawg KS said: Hence the reason for what I said. Ah, I thought you meant it sarcastically :p Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrcash2009 0 Posted June 27, 2009 What about modding addons and modding mods with addons? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
max power 21 Posted June 27, 2009 Modding is a contraction of modifying. It's definition is not changed. Mod is jargon, and has a specialized definition. Modding mods is called copyright infringement :p Share this post Link to post Share on other sites