STEP:Mandate

Step Modding Guides [edit | edit source]

Figure 1: Workflow concept for incorporating mods into a mod list'.

Step offers complete, stand-alone modding guides for the supported games. These guides are intended to be a complete, 'Step-modded' solution for an enhanced, vanilla gameplay experience. In addition to adding upon the visual and acoustic enhancements of a vanilla game, Step Modding Guides also modify aspects of the game in terms of gameplay mechanics and may include mods that add or subtract specific, vanilla functionality to yield an overall more immersive experience.

Step Modding Guides are about ...

... bug fixes and corrections to malfunctioning aspects of the vanilla games.
... HD asset replacements in the style of the vanilla game (or as close a representation as possible).
... improvements to existing content that increase the consistency of the vanilla game.
... interface mods that improve the menus and UI for the PC.
... tweaks that improve consistency in gameplay or meet realistic expectations of intended game features.
... new content, assets, and effects that are consistent with the game's style and lore, as established by game creators and extrapolated on by the Step Modifications community in accordance with resources:
- Skyrim: Imperial Library and UESP
... continuity and qualitative consistency of all in-game behaviors and assets (e.g., sounds, textures, models, gameplay, etc.)

Step Modding Guides are NOT about ...

... sex mods, skimpy clothing mods, body replacement mods that promote realistic nudity beyond the vanilla game, or beauty mods that unrealistically affect or digress from the ambiance and style of the vanilla game.
... sound replacement mods that digress from the game's vanilla ambience.
... texture mods that significantly deviate from the game's original visual style.
... mods that are only required for a specific user base (e.g., a mod that fixes UI issues but only for users running at 4K)

Step Core Builds [edit | edit source]

Figure 1: Workflow concept for incorporating mods into a Core build'.

Step Core Builds are a comprehensive assemblage of game "corrections" with minimal potential for conflict with downstream mods. Another way to think of Step Core Builds is that they simply take the Unofficial Patches a step further by integrating them with other miscellaneous fixes and vanilla-friendly asset enhancements. The Step Core build serves as a stable base for creating custom mod lists. Specifically, ...

Step Core Builds are about ...

... bug fixes and corrections to malfunctioning aspects of the vanilla game.
... HD asset replacements in the style of the vanilla game.
... improvements to existing content that increases the consistency of the vanilla game.
... interface mods that improve the menus and UI for the PC.

Step Core Builds are NOT about ...

... new content.
... mods that have a high likelihood of having "data conflicts" with other mods.
... mods that have a high performance penalty.
... content that conflicts with the game's lore.
... mods that subjectively alter or contrast with the style of the vanilla game.
... mods that subjectively alter gameplay mechanics.