Mods are the best way to add all the features you mentioned, then players can pick and choose which they want .. plus these feature mods will be developed quicker.
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My only thing is, a developers goal should be to build the best game possible without the additions of mods to fill in “standard” game elements.
A mod should enhance the gameplay, not complete it.
if a developer’s mindset (and I’m not saying it is TaleWorld’s, but just in general) is : “a modder can fix that.” Then why should I support that developer?
now, I’m not saying that’s your viewpoint either. You’re just saying get a mod, it will fix it quicker.
But as players/consumers, that responsibility should be on the developer/game maker, not on us and a player base or a mod community.