Nexus Mods Founder Steps Down After 24 Years to Prioritize Mental Health In a heartfelt announcement, Nexus Mods co-founder and longtime community leader Nexus (real name: Jason "Nexus" Vrolijk) has stepped down from his leadership role after 24 years at the helm of one of the largest and most influential modding communities in gaming history. The decision comes as a result of prolonged mental health struggles, which Nexus says have become increasingly difficult to manage amid the pressures of running a platform that serves millions of gamers worldwide. In a personal post on the Nexus Mods forums, he wrote: "After 24 years of building, supporting, and growing Nexus Mods, I’ve made the difficult decision to step back and focus on my mental and emotional well-being. This wasn’t an easy choice, but it’s one I know is necessary for my long-term health. I’ve poured my heart into this community, and I’ve never taken its trust for granted. Now, it’s time to step back so I can heal—and so the community can continue to thrive under new leadership." Nexus Mods, founded in 2000 as a hub for modders and gamers, has become essential to the success of major titles like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Fallout 4, Skyrim Special Edition, and many others. The platform hosts tens of thousands of user-created mods and supports millions of downloads annually, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of creativity and collaboration. The community has responded with overwhelming support, flooding the forums with messages of gratitude, respect, and well-wishes. Many users praised Nexus for his dedication, accessibility, and commitment to fairness and transparency—values that helped define the platform’s culture. In his exit announcement, Nexus emphasized that he is not leaving the modding community entirely and plans to remain involved in a limited capacity. He also announced that a transition team, including trusted long-time moderators and developers, will begin the process of identifying new leadership to ensure continuity and stability. The community is now being invited to participate in a transparent, community-driven selection process for new leadership, with guidelines and application details to be released in the coming weeks. As Nexus wrote in his farewell message: "This community has given me more than I’ve ever given it. I’m proud of what we’ve built together. Now, I’m passing the torch not because I’ve failed, but because I’ve loved it so deeply that I know it deserves someone who can carry it forward with both strength and compassion." Nexus Mods remains operational, and the platform’s services—including mod hosting, downloads, and community forums—will continue uninterrupted. To the millions who’ve used, created, or contributed to Nexus Mods over the past two decades: thank you. And to Nexus—your legacy is not defined by your departure, but by the enduring impact you’ve made on gaming, creativity, and connection. Rest well, and take care. 🌟