Nope. I know that the modders didn’t do the original work, that’s why it’s called modding.

But there is no claim to the original work. They only claim to have made what they made.

And, more importantly, they only release what they made.

This is why I asked you what you think modding is. Because modding is not "releasing a modified game". Modding is releasing a modification to a game. This is a fundamental difference you do not seem to understand.

Most companies don’t support this practice.

[citation needed]

[definition of 'support' needed]

Those that literally don't support mods, as in, block the possibility and disavow it publicly, do so because they make the same mistake you do: thinking that modders release modified games.

Yes, you can do whatever you want with files on your hard drive, but you’re still modding someone else’s work.

Yes. So?

That’s all I’m saying. Everyone is griping that the company used the modder’s work without permission, when the modder did the exact same thing: using someone else’s work without permission.

They did not do the exact same thing. If modders "did the exact same thing", that would mean releasing the games with their modifications.

But they don't do that.

They only release their mods. Which can only be enjoyed with an actual copy of the game. Which, I will remind you - the modders do not provide.

I’m not saying modding is morally wrong

You're certainly implying it.

I’m something of a mod enjoyer myself XD

Then you really should understand that modders don't release modified games.

and I agree it’s a dick move to swipe a modder’s work, but I doubt there’s a legal leg to stand on when their work is based on an IP they don’t own.

That really depends on the mod. A mod extending animation capabilities is not based on anyone else's work but their own. This type of work is generally game agnostic, but is tailored to fit the game for that implementation.

The vast majority of modding is actual game development work that has been tailored to extend an existing game.

I do also understand the difference between small modders doing something for fun based on something they love instead of money and a company swiping someone’s work for profit.

You don't demonstrate any understanding of this fact whatsoever.

But it’s right there in the name. Modding. What are you modding? Someone else’s work.

Yes. Modding. Not flipping - which is what you're accusing them of.