Modifications
Video game modifications (mods) are a simple concept that can often be confusing for people who don't play video games. We modify products in our lives all the time. We might add a conservatory to our house, or change a 2nd bedroom in to a study. We might add a turbo to our cars, or modify the suspension for a better ride. This same concept applies to video games too. Players can modify different aspects of their games to expand their experience and suit their tastes.
The amount of modifications a player can make to their games depends entirely on the game, and the developers who made the game, and these modifications can range from small tweaks and modifications all the way up to complete total overhauls of a game's content and play style.
Mods normally come in the form of a set of packaged up files that can be downloaded and then "plugged in" to a game, and ergo another name given to a mod is a "plug-in". When an author finishes their mod they compile all the necessary files in to a single compressed archive that can then be downloaded by other users and added to their game.
The appeal of modifying your game is emphasized by the huge scope of the modifications available, and the possibilities available to mod authors. While an unmodified, original game might take a user 8 - 20 hours to complete, with the addition of new and exciting content from mods that time can increase indefinitely while similarly providing a much more fun and improved gaming experience way beyond the original remit of the game.
Authors
People who make mods are called mod authors, and they use tools and software either provided by the developers of the game they are modding, or that they or others within the community have developed especially for modding purposes. Making mods can often be an extremely time-consuming process of trial and error and most mods are labours of love by their authors.
It should be noted that modding is a completely legal practise that is supported by the developers who make and sell video games. Modding is not tarnished by buzz words like "file sharing" that are currently synonymous with illegal activity in the mainstream media.
Nexus
We fit the definition of a Nexus perfectly as "a means of connection" and "the core or center". The aim of the Nexus is to provide a central location for the creators of mods, the mod authors, to upload and share their work with others. We are a middle-man platform that provides mod authors a place to upload, host and put on display their work for casual gamers to view, download and enjoy.
We also foster a huge community of mod authors and casual gamers on our forums, where people can come together and discuss not only modding, but video games in general and the wider world. As a result the Nexus could best be described as a social network and file sharing platform for video games.
