Do you think the Steam Workshop will be ready to download really complex mods like Total Conversion mods such as FCOM from Oblivion or FWE from Fallout 3?

It isn't right now. Who knows about the future? I don't think it will ever be handle anything like FCOM entirely on its own... but as far as putting files where they need to be, it's possible they might build it up into something robust enough to handle the more complex efforts.

Not right now no. Maybe never. I like the new competition. It has completely revitalized modding for Elder Scrolls games.

Probably not. Steam Workshop is currently focused on being really accessible and easy to use, and I don't see how using large overhauls and compatibility patches together can ever be made as easy as 'press button to install' unless they completely change the way the workshop works.

For that the ability to include optional esps (alternate versions/compatibility patches) and being able to do manual downloads of mods in the first place is a must.


The way I see it, the workshop is a good way to introduce modding to a whole lot more people than before, who otherwise would never have found out.

Those are overhaul mods. An example of a total conversion would be Nehrim for OB.

I don't think the workshop will ever support loose files and that is going to limit what is possible greatly.

I doubt they want to either as that would dash any illusion that using SW is easy or convenient because to do this leads right into needing to track what loose files conflict and replacing as needed which then leads into what makes BAIN and FOMM really great programs.

So even if they do incorporate these ideas it will be a good while.

Also directory thrashing - I bet that has never been addressed. SW users are going to be up against that faster than users of BAIN or NMM.

and as for Nehrim - even the Nehrim developers didn't get installing it right and it will mess up your oblivion install.

They need to give the mod author a way to add installation options and change the folder structure as to where the installation directs.
That shouldn't be difficult.

Then pretty much everything should work.
But it will no longer be "easy 1 click installation" then. But ask yourself, from Bethesda's perspective, what would be best:
A) Easy and simple mods can be installed correctly by 1 click. The other ones are broken.
B] All mods can be installed correctly. Easy and simply mods can be installed correctly by 1 click. The other ones can be installed by 4-5 clicks and isn't broken.

You got to remember that the Workshop itself is still in its infancy. Two sides of it, sure, but it's still a new thing in itself. Design and implementation, both of which need to be greatly improved to work. The former will probably come sooner than the improvements to the latter.

All I can say is give it time and let's wait and see what happens.

I don't think so. You'll have to go to the Skyrim Nexus.