It's a lot of work to make an effective MOD or quickstart. Our wonderful 3d stadium guys have covered so much ground. The utility apps that have come along are great. Lots of niches, some unfilled, but many overwhelmed by the high quality MOD's we've gotten. I'm sure it's intimidating to many. And, hef is absolutely correct—many MOD's are now rolled into the game. That is a tribute to the work of a Dev Team that actually listens to their base...and we have been graced by that for 24 versions (No base prior to v2).
Find a niche. Occupy it. Make a good product. It sounds so very easy, but it isn't. The hardest part is a niche you enjoy and that isn't occupied. We're frankly blessed by the 3d stadium guys we've had so far. Skyboxes are my niche, but I'd not mind some company. Jerseys and logos are plentiful. Schedules...we've got a couple of guys that have been carrying the ball for a long time—we need more. Facegen and baseball cards are well covered.
You want to know the niches that quickly come to mind as unoccupied? Jersey fonts...a lot of opportunity there. Backgrounds...nobody, and I mean nobody puts these out regularly. Sounds could use more contributions. 2d stadium pics are lagging. Ballpark diagrams could use expansion. Pants aren't in great supply yet. Player photos are very well covered, but could use variety—headshots are well...boring. Colors files need to be worked on, particularly for fictional teams. Any XML guys with the time to contribute? Re-skying ballparks...I've done a few, others have. There are still a lot of people playing in 2d AFAIK. Let's not forget them. Online Leagues...I still know nothing about making one. Quickstarts and templates are hard, hard work. There are few available. Sit down, be prepared to put a lot of time in, and make one. From personal experience, it will take months to develop if you cover everything. Tutorials on MOD creation would also be helpful. Describe your software/hardware, the workflow, the obstacles, the shortcuts, and the cost.
You know what would be a great help for players? Prefab QuickStarts for each year with consistent settings. Newer players in particular would appreciate this, I'm sure. It's a time investment, but somebody or several somebodies could do it if they wanted.
We have a wonderful community of MOD makers, and we should celebrate that. That said, we're a community, and we need input from far more people. Got an idea? Throw it out there. The veterans of the MOD wars will only be glad to see it, and will gladly offer sincere input to help if you ask.
Rant concluded.
