Move MODS folder location or add option to
I don't need technical. I need EA Devs to listen up on a common problem out in the field. May users use cloud services to sync their critical data. Sims 4 stores mod files in the MODS folder located ...
Forum Discussion
Shadohz Sims 3 also stores mods in the Documents directory.
Using Documents makes adding mods more accessible for the casual user and also keeps users from inadvertently damaging program files. I don't know how it would work to have mods in %ProgramData% or %AppData& since the game doesn't load assets from either location, and reprogramming it to do so would be something of a task and also not account for the files already stored there.
Personally, I think it's bad design, not to mention rude and presumptuous, to have any files automatically synced by default, and that's a Windows setting, nothing to do with EA. Sims 4 also existed prior to Windows 10 and the default imposition of OneDrive.
I've moved your post to Feedback.
"Sims 3 also stores mods in the Documents directory." In other words "It's always been that way/always been wrong." If I had a nickel for everytime I heard that in a tech meeting for why my co-QA/co-Dev didn't want to change or fix a bug.
"Using Documents makes adding mods more accessible..." There are quite literally millions of casual players that learn how to use Publisher-supported mods (e.g. Bethesda), third-party mod managers that access non-user profile areas, or following directions from Forum comments. In addition, Sims could add a launch button within the game itself to open only the MODS folder, thus not requiring players to have intimate knowledge of the file system. I've seen casual users mess up their user profiles and junction points as well because they were digging around in areas they had no business. Game publishers for the longest time (preceding Sims 3) only used Userprofile for logs, config files, and save games (all for good reasons that devs already understand).
"I don't know how it would work..." I just explained in my comment how I was able to alter the behavior of the game by redirecting the folder with only two lines of code. All of this can be scripted with a few lines of codes to change the working directory and moving files. This is also why I suggested an alternate solution of allowing us to make the change ourselves so at least those of us with the know-how can do it. No this isn't difficult.
"Sims 4 also existed prior to..." This isn't just about OneDrive. I'm talking about all cloud storage, syncing, and backup/restore procedures. If I had noticed EA doing this with prior game versions or different games I would've made the same objection without the cloud sync consideration. It's why I/we took Rockstar to task over their handling of music files, video files (for Editor), and read behavior that lead to its notoriously slow launch times which only became exacerbated if you were syncing those files while the game was active (you know, like how Sims 4 takes much longer to launch when reading the MODS folder unless you disable it). Even then Rockstar still ignored the problem until someone outside the bubble went in and fixed one of the major issues.
"I've moved it to Feedback." Thank you. If they fix it, they fix it and I'll say thank you. If they don't...
