Nexus Mods, a leading platform for modding games, has announced that it will be shifting its focus back to its existing app, Vortex, and ceasing development on its cross-platform app. This decision comes as a surprise to the Linux modding community, which had been eagerly awaiting the release of the new app.
A New Direction
According to an announcement posted in Nexus Mods' app Development Discord server, the company's recent efforts were split between two mod managers: Vortex and the newer cross-platform app. This fragmentation led to duplicated features, bugs, and conversations about which app to use, ultimately hindering progress. By focusing on a single direction, the team aims to innovate faster and serve its community better.
Lessons Learned
The decision to abandon the cross-platform app is not without its benefits. As Halgari, who had been leading development on the Nexus Mods app, notes: "We've been trying to catch up to the feature set of existing tools and innovate at the same time, which meant progress on both fronts was slower than any of us wanted." By bringing those lessons to Vortex, the company can leverage the existing features, game support, and user base, allowing for faster innovation and a wider reach.
Future Plans
While Linux support is not currently planned for Vortex, the team is exploring what this might look like in the future. However, for now, users of Linux-based systems will need to rely on alternative solutions, such as [NaK](https://github.com/SulfurNitride/NaK), which helps run Vortex on Proton.
The Impact
The shift back to Vortex may be a blow to the Linux modding community, but it's not without its advantages. As one user notes: "I'd really love to see a git-based or other repository-style mod site. One of the biggest issues in modding is the modder gets bored and their mods eventually break because they don't keep up with dependencies or game updates..."
The Future of Modding
The decision by Nexus Mods to focus on Vortex has sparked discussion about the future of modding and the need for alternative platforms. As one user suggests: "It would be lovely if someone took the opportunity to launch an alternative to Nexus Mods." With the lack of alternatives to the Nexus website itself, this shift in focus may mark the beginning of the end for Nexus.
Conclusion
The mobile app development landscape is constantly evolving, and Nexus Mods' decision to focus on Vortex is a testament to that. As the company moves forward, it's likely that we'll see new innovations and features emerge, potentially changing the way we mod games forever.