GIANTS Software Clarifies Farming Simulator 25 Mod Policy: Free Access Remains Mandatory

GIANTS Software has published a statement titled “Regarding Mods: A Statement from GIANTS Software” through the Farming Simulator 25 Steam announcements. The post addresses the ongoing debate over monetization in the simulation community by establishing a clear boundary: mods must be free to access. This clarification matters to simulation users because it defines the operational limits of the modding ecosystem, ensuring that the core content remains accessible to all players regardless of their financial status.

The statement begins by acknowledging the historical role of user-generated content. The Farming Simulator team notes that modding has always been an important part of the series. They recognize that the creativity, passion, and countless hours invested by modders have helped shape both the game and its community. This recognition serves as the foundation for their policy, which aims to balance creator support with community accessibility.

The core principle outlined in the announcement is straightforward: “Our position on mods is simple: Mods have to be free.” The developers state that they fully support modders being rewarded for their work. However, they draw a distinct line between rewarding creators and charging players for access. According to the statement, access to a Farming Simulator mod itself should not require payment. This distinction is critical for users who rely on custom vehicles, maps, and mechanics to enhance their gameplay experience.

To remove ambiguity, the announcement lists specific practices that are now prohibited. The following methods of restricting access are banned:

• Patreon or other paid memberships
• Paid Discord roles or channels
• “VIP” access
• Paid early access
• Donations required to receive a download
• Shops or marketplaces selling individual mods or mod packs
• Restricted download speeds
• Paid downloads and additional paid assets, such as shaders, textures, etc.

This list effectively closes loopholes that some creators may have used to gatekeep their work. By explicitly naming these practices, GIANTS Software provides a clear compliance framework for the modding community. Users can expect that any mod distributed through official or recognized channels will not require a subscription or direct payment to download or use.

The statement emphasizes that an open modding ecosystem is considered one of the strengths of Farming Simulator. The developers argue that open modding drives creativity, makes content accessible to everyone, and encourages collaboration. They believe this openness helps the community grow. The policy is designed to ensure that players can discover, share, learn from, and ultimately enjoy mods regardless of their ability or willingness to pay. This approach prioritizes the collective experience of the player base over individual monetization strategies that might fragment the community.

Despite the strict rules on access, the statement affirms that donations should always be voluntary. A donation should never determine whether someone can access any kind of mod. Creators are still permitted to receive donations, build communities, monetize videos and other content, and benefit from the opportunities offered through the official ModHub. This allows modders to sustain their work through alternative revenue streams without compromising the free-access principle for the software itself.

The Farming Simulator team acknowledges the enormous contribution made by modders. They state that they will continue to find new ways to support and reward creators while keeping mods accessible to the entire community. The underlying principle is summarized as: “Support creators.” This indicates a long-term commitment to maintaining a sustainable environment for both developers and players.

For simulation users, this statement provides clarity on what is acceptable within the Farming Simulator ecosystem. It reinforces the expectation that the modding scene will remain open and collaborative. By prohibiting paid access mechanisms, the developers aim to prevent the fragmentation of the community and ensure that the creative output of modders remains a shared resource. The statement concludes with a thank you to everyone who contributes to the Farming Simulator modding community and helps make it what it is today, signed by The Farming Simulator Team.