Nexus Mods Founder Steps Down for Mental Health

Nexus Mods, the central hub for PC gaming modifications, is experiencing its first change in ownership after 24 years. Founder Robin "Dark0ne" Scott is passing the torch, citing his mental well-being as the primary reason.

The public face of one of the internet's largest gaming websites announced this new phase in a statement released today. The announcement confirms that Scott has formally departed from Nexus Mods, a decision made "following months of meetings, face-to-face conversations, and deep personal reflection."

While the statement omits many internal specifics, it reveals that two new individuals—Victor (also known as Foledinho) and Marinus (also known as Rapsak)—have assumed leadership, with both of their profiles now listing the "Site Owner" title. This transition marks the start of a new chapter for Nexus Mods and a well-deserved rest for Scott.

"The strain of being responsible for the behemoth I created has taken its toll.“

“The pressure of overseeing the massive platform I built has weighed heavily on me,” Scott explained. “The job's stress has been a constant source of anxiety and associated health problems. I came to understand that I was burning out, and this began to negatively affect my team and Nexus Mods overall. Consequently, I strongly believe that stepping aside and introducing fresh leadership is the best path forward. This will allow the business to be driven with renewed energy, shaping Nexus Mods into the modding community we all truly deserve.”

What began as a small personal project for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, launched from Scott's bedroom, expanded into a titan within the gaming industry. The Nexus Mods About Us page highlights that this central hub for the PC gaming community comprises 63.4 million registered users and has seen 16.8 billion file downloads, ranking it among the most visited websites based in the United Kingdom.

The platform's tremendous growth has had a parallel effect on Scott, who has been "on call" for over two decades, dedicating "every single day" to it. While his withdrawal from the daily management of Nexus Mods will inevitably lead to adjustments, Scott reassured both modders and gamers that the transition is no cause for alarm.

This is me doing something I probably should’ve done years ago: taking care of myself.“

“Internally, I’ve been gradually reducing my involvement for some time,” Scott clarifies. “In recent years, the team has taken on greater responsibility, and the site has been performing better than ever. The change now is simply making it official, ensuring the right people are in position to lead Nexus Mods into its next era.”

Scott states that his departure from Nexus Mods, along with a few minor organizational adjustments, are steps to secure the "long-term stability" of the platform. He emphasizes this will not alter the site's recent operations, adding firmly, "Nexus Mods is community-first and mod-author focused, that’s not up for negotiation."

Though Scott is stepping down from his direct leadership role, the creator says he will remain active within the Nexus Mods community via its Mod Author Discord, forums, and other channels. He will also continue to offer guidance to the site's 40-person team during this period of change, relinquishing his duties as its public representative.

“So yes, the ownership of Nexus Mods has changed hands, but I want to be clear, this isn’t some corporate ‘exit’ or a backroom deal,” Scott adds. “This is me doing something I probably should’ve done years ago: taking care of myself. Reclaiming some headspace. And finally letting go of the idea that I have to do everything and be responsible for everything myself.”

For decades, Nexus Mods has hosted countless fan-made creations for major franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Stardew Valley, Baldur’s Gate, Cyberpunk 2077, and many others. In fact, shortly after the surprise release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion earlier this year, numerous minor mods were already available on the site. It is the definitive destination for PC gamers to customize their gaming experience, and its inaugural leadership transition in 24 years introduces a degree of uncertainty about its future direction.