STEP:Nexus Description/2.2.5

[center][size=5][color=#fb2][b]Returning user? Consider endorsing STEP![/b][/color][/size]
[URL=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/][img]https://stepmodifications.org/forum/images/STEP2/STEP_metallic_logo.png[/img][/URL][/center][center][size=4][color=#87CEFA]An enhanced Skyrim experience.[/color][/size][/center]

[size=4][color=#fb2]STEP has relaxed to (roughly) a monthly release schedule. The versioning is as follows:
[i]{Major.Minor.Build{.revision}}[/i][/color] - resolves to: #.#.#x[/size]
[list][*] Specifically, Build version updates will occur every fourth weekend (usually on Sunday evening, United States time).
[*] [color=#efdf78][b]Build updates are optional for current STEP users[/b][/color], but should require very little effort.
[*] Build updates are 'safe' to apply to existing characters and save games.
[*] Minor version updates will occur irregularly as deemed appropriate, according to the more pronounced effect of cumulative Build changes (at least once every 10 months). Minor updates may or may not require starting a new game.
[*] Major version updates will occur only as a result of a major paradigm shift either in Skyrim source code, mod development, or STEP itself. Major updates will almost definitely require a fresh STEP install and a brand new game.[/list]
[i]We strongly recommend using Wrye Bash or Mod Organizer for mod management.  The ability to easily re-order, add, and remove mods will be essential to keeping STEP up to date and getting the best results.[/i]

[size=6][b][color=#6D95AB]RECENT NEWS[/color][/b][/size]
[b][size=4]- Apr. 14th, 2013[/size][/b]
STEP v2.2.5 has been released!  Download the file and check out the [url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Changelog/2.2.5]changelog[/url] for details on how to update.  

Not yet implemented, but we're still looking to re-vamp the changelogs as "update logs" that not only state the changes between releases but also provide instructions on how to update properly.  These logs will mention any special steps that need to be taken when they are needed but otherwise assume a basic understanding of your preferred mod manager.

[color=#e6b69e][b]We also want to remind everybody who may not be aware that by registering on our forums you will be notified of all future STEP releases immediately via email.  This is done as a helpful reminder for those who may not visit the Nexus often but wish to keep STEP up to date and is entirely optional.[/b][/color]

[b][size=4]- Mar. 31st, 2013[/size][/b]
STEP v2.2.4 has been released!  Download the file and check out the [url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Changelog/2.2.4]changelog[/url] for details on how to update.  

[b][size=4]- Mar. 16th, 2013[/size][/b]
STEP v2.2.3 has been released!  Download the file and check out the [url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Changelog/2.2.3]changelog[/url] for details on how to update.  

We're looking to re-vamp the changelogs as "update logs" that not only state the changes between releases but also provide instructions on how to update properly.  These logs will mention any special steps that need to be taken when they are needed but otherwise assume a basic understanding of your preferred mod manager.

We also want to remind everybody who may not be aware that by registering on our forums you will be notified of all future STEP releases immediately via email.  This is done as a helpful reminder for those who may not visit the Nexus often but wish to keep STEP up to date and is entirely optional.

[b][size=4]- Mar. 13th, 2013[/size][/b]
Quick update with some mod order and guide note changes; check out the [url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Changelog/2.2.2a]changelog[/url] for details.

[line]
[center][size=5]-> [b][url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum]STEP Forums[/url][/b] <-[/size]
[size=5]-> [b][url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Changelog]Changelog[/url][/b] <-[/size]
[size=5]-> [b][url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=3]Bug Reports[/url][/b] <-[/size]
[size=5]-> [b][url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/STEP-Skyrim-Total-Enhancement-Project/175289219235392]Facebook[/url][/b] <-[/size][/center][line]
[size=5][color=#6D95AB]STEP Mandate[/color][/size]

[size=4][color=#7AB0CE]Core STEP is about [i]enhancing vanilla Skyrim[/i] for the PC ...[/color][/size]
[list][*] Texture replacements at minimized performance cost and true to vanilla Skyrim
[*] Continuity of all in-game textures (i.e., comparable resolution and style across all armors, weapons, clutter, terrain, etc.)
[*] Graphical mods (ESPs) including new content and effects that "fit" vanilla Skyrim
[*] Gameplay & sound mods that improve the consistency and the perceived intent of vanilla Skyrim
[*] Interface mods that improve the menus and UI.
[*] Fix mods that truly "fix" malfunctioning aspects of vanilla Skyrim.[/list]
[size=4][color=#7AB0CE]STEP is NOT about ...[/color][/size]
[list][*] Content mods that conflict with vanilla Skyrim and/or TES lore
[*] Mods that change the perceived intent of vanilla Skyrim
[*] Sex mods or female body replacement mods
[*] Music replacement mods
[*] Gameplay overhauls[/list][line]
[size=5][color=#6D95AB]Performance, Baseline & Extreme STEP[/color][/size]
STEP provides an enhanced vanilla experience by utilizing a minimum or “Core” set of game enhancements adhering to the original vanilla feel of the game according to the STEP Mandate. All Core mods are considered essential to all STEP "versions". Non-Core mods are optional but highly recommended. STEP versions are delineated at three levels according to relative performance impacts:

[size=4][color=#C8BE78]Performance STEP[/color][/size] - Core mods only; performance options wherever possible.
[color=#E6B69E][i]My poor box needs all of the mercy that I can spare it, but I must have STEP![/i][/color]

[size=4][color=#82BE78]Baseline STEP[/color][/size] - Core and non-Core mods; performance/quality and balanced options wherever possible.
[color=#E6B69E][i]My box is decent, but I hate even the tiniest FPS drops and stuttering![/i][/color]

[size=4][color=#78afe1]Extreme STEP[/color][/size] - Core and non-Core mods; highest-quality options wherever possible.
[color=#E6B69E][i]My box is omnipotent![/i][/color][line]
Currently STEP is mostly focused on graphics, interface and polishing/refining the gameplay with bugfixes and small tweaks. STEP also does extensive reliability and compatibility testing and will be including optional gameplay packs in the future. If you have reached the point where you are able to do your own reliability and compatibility testing and are also interested in additional and deeper gameplay mods, check this out:

[URL=https://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/23826][img]https://www.skyrimgems.com/images/gems_logo_600.png[/img][/URL][line]
[size=5][color=#6D95AB]User Contributions - [b]How YOU Can Help[/b][/color][/size]
STEP can only get bigger and better with help from the user community. Even simply maintaining the current STEP is too much work for the core STEP team to ensure that the highest quality is maintained. We need people to help us identify mods that are thought to improve Skyrim while adhering to the STEP Mandate. We also need ongoing reviews and updates on mods that may be causing problems or that stray from the STEP philosophy. Finally, we need help from the community in terms of testing, benchmarking and analysis.

In order to suggest a mod, visit the [url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=43]Mod Suggestions[/url] section of the STEP Forums.[line]
[size=4][color=#9BC1D5][u]Call for Wiki Content Editors [/u][/color][/size]
The STEP Community Wiki is open to editing by all registered community members; however, we need assistance [url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=1241&pid=16772#pid16772]maintaining and creating new supporting content[/url]. We are particularly interested in obtaining a few people with a passion for writing and editing. Familiarity with wiki markup is preferable but not necessary. Interested parties please contact one of the STEP Admin (Farlo, z929669 and/or stoppingby4now) via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/showteam.php see the very bottom of the Forum Team page]).

[size=4][color=#9BC1D5][u]Call for STEP Mod Testers [/u][/color][/size]
STEP users interested in becoming testers, please contact one of the STEP Admin (Farlo, z929669 and/or stoppingby4now) via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and [url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/showteam.php]see the very bottom of the Forum Team page[/url]). Once registered, [url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/STEP:Main]your system specs[/url] by clicking on the button and filling out the form. These specs will be associated with performance data by tester.

[size=4][color=#9BC1D5][u]Call for STEP Benchmarks [/u][/color][/size]
Users interested in helping out with the STEP Benchmarking Project, see our [url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/STEP:2.2.1#1.D._Performance_Benchmarking]benchmarking guidelines[/url] and submit results on the forums (see link at upper left of site header bar).

[size=4][color=#9BC1D5][u]Call for Forum Moderators [/u][/color][/size]
Regular STEP forum users interested in becoming moderators, please contact one of the STEP Admin (Farlo, z929669 and/or stoppingby4now) via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and [url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/showteam.php]see the very bottom of the Forum Team page[/url]).[line]
[size=5][color=#6D95AB]Special Credits[/color][/size]
[color=#CCC]The STEP administrators would sincerely like to thank (from the bottoms of our fuzzy little hearts):[/color]
[list][*] The authors of mods recommended in STEP
[*] The core STEP Community for feedback, suggestions and input
[*] The STEP beta testers ... for their good humor and rigorous analyses
[*] The Nexus community
[*] Bealdwine, frihyland & EisDrache- site founders on indefinite leave (we hope you guys are well!)
[*] Outstanding v2.2.5 contributors - dstansberry, Eliian, Kelmych, Neovalen, torminater, WilliamImm, Wormheart, and many others.
[*] Bethesda Softworks for Skyrim (and TES in general)[/list]
[size=4][color=#6D95AB]Site Donors[/color][/size]
We have had a handful of generous user donations in support of the STEP Community website. Most have not left their STEP user names, so they will remain anonymous:
[list][*] geeee785
[*] Lauren
[*] solist
[*] 24 anonymous persons[/list]
[size=3][color=#8DABBC]The core STEP team is:[/color][/size]
[list][*] Farlo - Mediawiki developer & extraordinaire, Mod-list co-compiler, forums admin, site founder
[*] MontyMM - Solutions developer (Semi-Automatic STEP), site founder
[*] stoppingby4now - Main site developer, Semantic Mediawiki developer & extraordinaire, site founder
[*] TheCompiler - STEP creator, mod-list extraordinaire
[*] z929669 - Wiki & forums content editor, main site administrator, hosting maintenance, site founder
[*] [url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=2086]STEP Forum moderators[/url]: Kelmych, rootsrat, techangel85, torminater[/list]

[center][URL=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/][img=800x156]https://stepmodifications.org/forum/images/STEP2/STEP_metallic_logo.png[/img][/URL][/center]