Nexus Mods, a cornerstone of the PC gaming and modding community, has announced a major shift in its leadership. Founder Robin ‘Dark0ne’ Scott is stepping down after more than two decades, handing over ownership to two new individuals with deep roots in gaming and tech. Scott cited personal health and burnout as the primary reasons for his departure, assuring users that the site’s core values and team will remain intact during this new chapter.
A Founder’s Farewell Due to Burnout
Robin Scott, who started the site in 2001 as a hub for Elder Scrolls mods, shared the news in a heartfelt blog post. He explained that the immense responsibility of running the massive platform had taken a significant toll on his health over the years.
“The strain of being responsible for the behemoth I created has taken its toll,” Scott wrote, detailing how the job led to anxiety and stress-related health issues. He candidly admitted to burning out and recognized that this was beginning to affect both his staff and the site’s overall progress.
“I firmly believe that the best thing for the future of Nexus Mods is for me to step aside,” Scott explained. He framed the decision not as a “corporate exit” but as a necessary step for his own well-being, something he felt he should have done years ago. This transition was the result of months of careful consideration and face-to-face meetings to find the right successors.
Introducing Victor and Marinus, the New Site Owners
The new leadership consists of two individuals, Victor and Marinus, who are now listed as site owners alongside Scott. They are known on Nexus Mods by their usernames, Foledinho and Rapsak, respectively. Scott expressed his confidence in them, stating they “understand and respect the myriad intricacies” of both the business and the community.
New Owner | Username | Background |
Victor | Foledinho | Over a decade of experience building gaming and user-generated content (UGC) platforms. |
Marinus | Rapsak | A creative-tech background, including international DJing, PC building, and coding from a young age. |
Their profiles on the site reflect their commitment. Victor aims “to help make modding easier, where games evolve through the hands of players.” Meanwhile, Marinus brings a blend of creative and technical expertise, having launched his first tech business at just 15 years old.
What this Means for the Future of Nexus Mods
For the millions of users who rely on Nexus Mods, Scott has provided strong reassurances that the transition will be smooth and that the platform’s direction will not change. He emphasized that the new owners are focused on long-term stability rather than a shake-up of its core values.
The daily operations of Nexus Mods are not expected to change in the short term. The company’s dedicated team will continue in their roles, ensuring continuity for the community. Key points for users to know include:
- The entire team of 40 employees is remaining with the company.
- There are no immediate plans to alter how the site functions day-to-day.
- The new leadership’s stated goal is to enhance and stabilize the platform, not to fundamentally change it.
This focus on a stable transition is intended to calm any fears within the community about a corporate takeover or a shift away from the user-focused principles that have defined Nexus Mods for over 20 years.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nexus Mods Ownership Change
Why did the founder of Nexus Mods step down?
Founder Robin ‘Dark0ne’ Scott stepped down due to significant stress and burnout from running the site for over two decades. He stated the decision was made to take care of his personal health and to bring in new leadership with fresh energy.
Who are the new owners of Nexus Mods?
The new owners are Victor (username Foledinho) and Marinus (username Rapsak). They both have extensive backgrounds in the gaming and technology industries and are described as being deeply committed to the modding community.
Will my Nexus Mods account or mods be affected?
No immediate changes are planned for user accounts, mods, or the day-to-day operation of the website. The transition is designed to be as smooth as possible, with no disruption to the user experience.
Is the staff at Nexus Mods changing?
No, the existing team of 40 dedicated employees will remain in their positions. This ensures that the institutional knowledge and community relationships built over many years will be preserved.
What is the new owners’ vision for the site?
The new owners have expressed a commitment to long-term stability and building upon the site’s foundation. Their goal is to make modding easier and more accessible, allowing games to evolve through player creations.