Sell a game mod directly only when the game's current rules permit paid distribution and the retail archive contains only material you can redistribute. Owning the code or model you created does not override the game publisher's terms, a mod-loader license or the rights attached to bundled dependencies.
This checklist is for mod authors who have already confirmed that their target title allows the planned commercial route. Its original asset is a four-gate release record covering policy, dependencies, compatibility and buyer delivery before a paid file is published.
Gate 1: Prove the Paid Route Is Allowed
Record the game, edition, publisher, current policy URL, review date and exact rule that permits the sale. Some games allow only an official creator marketplace; some allow donations while requiring the mod itself to remain free; others prohibit paid mods or impose content restrictions.
For example, CurseForge's author information tells authors to select a license and publish through supported game communities, while mod.io's monetization documentation describes a studio-controlled marketplace flow. Those are examples of platform-specific routes, not permission to sell a mod for every game through any checkout.
If the policy is missing, contradictory or tied to an official marketplace you are not using, stop. Ask the rights holder or choose a permitted free, donation or marketplace route.
Gate 2: Audit Every Dependency
| Component | Evidence to record | Release decision |
|---|---|---|
| Original code and assets | Author and source repository | Include under your chosen terms |
| Game files | Publisher policy and redistribution rule | Reference only unless redistribution is allowed |
| Mod loader or API | Name, version and license | State dependency; include only when permitted |
| Third-party library | Package, version, license and notices | Include required license material |
| Fonts, audio and textures | Creator, source and commercial redistribution permission | Replace anything without clear rights |
| Other mods | Dependency URL and author terms | Never bundle merely for convenience |
Build the retail ZIP from an allowlist. A clean folder should contain only approved files, required notices, your documentation and configuration defaults without personal paths, tokens, logs or other players' data.
Gate 3: Reproduce Compatibility
Test the exact retail archive on a clean installation with the advertised game build, mod loader and dependency versions. Record install steps, load order, new-save requirement, multiplayer or server constraints and the result of uninstalling or rolling back.
Run four states: fresh install, an expected existing save where supported, a known incompatible configuration and removal. Capture the visible error or limitation instead of writing “works with most setups.” If an update breaks compatibility, publish a new version record rather than silently replacing the buyer's evidence.
Gate 4: Test the Buyer Release
The ZIP should include the mod, readme, installation and removal steps, compatibility manifest, changelog, license and third-party notices. Add a checksum and stable version. Keep promotional screenshots and videos outside the archive unless their inclusion rights are also cleared.
Complete a buyer-view order and install the downloaded copy—not the development folder. Confirm that the order, filename, manifest and in-game version agree. Then test the support route and explain whether updates are included, time-limited or sold separately.
Publish Only the Eligible Build
PayRequest's game-mod download page can present compatibility and license details, collect payment and release an approved archive after successful checkout. Digital product delivery keeps the delivered build connected to the order.
PayRequest supplies checkout and delivery; it does not grant permission from a publisher or cure an incompatible license. Publish only after all four gates pass, and re-run the policy gate whenever the game, marketplace or modding rules change.