The term vanilla is often used to make this distinction. In cases where mods are very popular, players might have to clarify that they are referring to the unmodified game when talking about playing a game. People can become fans of specific mods, in addition to fans of the game they are for, such as requesting features and alterations for these mods.

Mods have arguably become an increasingly important factor in the commercial success of some games, as they add a depth to the original work, and can be both useful to players and a means of self-expression. Modding a game can also be understood as the act of seeking and installing mods to the player's game, but the act of tweaking pre-existing settings and preferences is not truly modding. Mods may range from small changes and tweaks to complete overhauls, and can extend the replay value and interest of the game.

Video game modding (short for 'modification') is the process of alteration by players or fans of one or more aspects of a video game, such as how it looks or behaves, and is a sub-discipline of general modding.