Can UT console mods ever work?

It's a unclear at this stage whether mod developers would eventually be able to release console projects direct to download - it's more likely they would have to be passed through Epic first, in the case of a UT mod - but where Epic is treading, others are sure to follow.

There are many developers and games we could pick out the hat as examples, but let's take Valve Software and Half-Life 2, which has a huge, huge PC mod community surrounding it. And we'd be surprised if the developer wasn't looking at some way to get modifications on to Xbox 360 and PS3 to support its sequel.

But should the mod scene launch in earnest on console, would it really have any ramifications for the same on PC?

We can only speculate, but one thing that could well tip the balance is cold, hard cash. While mods for PC games have traditionally been free downloads, potentially third-party coders could suddenly be presented with the opportunity of selling their wares on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. We can't believe the lure would prove anything but irresistible.

It's an interesting development for consoles certainly but on the PC side of the coin it raises concerns for a videogame element that has always been exclusive to the platform.

Would mod developers make the switch? Doomsayers may even declare it's a new nail in the coffin of PC gaming, however it's far too early to even guess which way the wind may blow.