For years, Deadside players have been asking for more content, deeper customization, and, most importantly, modding support to expand the game beyond its original scope. Now, it seems that TinyBuild is finally moving in that direction, as reports indicate the company is working on a modding kit for the game.
While this may seem like good news for Deadside’s community, it also raises a glaring issue—why did it take so long? And why is TinyBuild now implementing features that were suggested years ago, while acting as if they were their own ideas?
A Delayed but Predictable Move
Modding support is an essential aspect of longevity for many multiplayer survival games. Rust, DayZ, and 7 Days to Die have all benefited immensely from player-made content, keeping their communities engaged well beyond their official updates. Deadside, which struggled to maintain its player base due to a lack of meaningful updates, could have had a much stronger standing if this decision had been made earlier.
This modding kit’s introduction feels less like an innovative step forward and more like a desperate attempt to revive a game that has been treading water. The irony is that people who once pushed for these features—including former contributors and community managers—were ignored, dismissed, or even gaslit into believing their input had no value. Yet now, TinyBuild is rolling out modding support as if it’s an original, forward-thinking move.
A Word of Caution for Modders
While modding could bring new life to Deadside, anyone considering creating mods for the game should be very careful when reading the terms of service. TinyBuild’s handling of contributors in the past has been questionable at best, outright exploitative at worst.
The company has a history of backstabbing those who have dedicated time and effort to improving the game, whether through unpaid labor, volunteer moderation, or content creation. Anyone looking to invest their time into Deadside’s modding scene should closely review the legal agreements attached to the modkit—before they unknowingly sign away their rights or risk having their work repurposed without credit or compensation.
TinyBuild’s Track Record Speaks for Itself
This isn’t the first time TinyBuild has drawn criticism for its handling of developers and community members. Past disputes have shown the company’s reluctance to properly acknowledge or compensate those who contribute to their projects. With Deadside finally receiving a long-overdue modding feature, it’s worth questioning whether TinyBuild is truly supporting creative freedom—or simply looking for free labor to do the work they should have been doing years ago.
Ultimately, while modding support is a welcome addition for Deadside, it comes with serious caveats. The community should remain skeptical of TinyBuild’s intentions and protective of their work. Because if history is anything to go by, those who give too much to Deadside might find themselves left in the dust—just like me before.
