Although it's doubtful it'll happen, especially as it'd mean at least 2 extra DVDs with the amount of content packed in the files for such a game.
But imagine that like with morrowind, the construction kit would be packed with Skyrim in a special edition...would you get it?
Like any special edition, it would probably be around $10//20% more expensive.

It'd contain all BSA files unpacked and the first edition of the construction kit (CK) like Morrowind had (as it's likely it'll get updated it's possible a newer CK will be released later)
It might entice some more people to modding, but at the other hand it's basically not necessary with all BSA extraction methods and the fact the construction kit is up-to-date when you get it online at the wiki.
It's possible to argue that it's necessary to unpack with the new editor or that the editor might even allow it itself, but lets assume that's not the case .

So what do you think? Would you get it ?

//edit
The mod tools would still be provided via web for free as well in this idea of course. It'd just be something extra you could get. I just like the idea as in you can get a special edition for 'modders', not as in 'only if you want to mod you've got to get it'.

TES III the CS came with the game
TES IV it was a free download
I'd be disappointed if Bethesda tried to charge people for it

Let's weigh the options: Download editor free, use a few minutes' time unpacking files or pay extra for what I can get free and save a few minutes' unpacking time.

Yeah, if I've got time to spend hours modding I've got time to unpack a few files. Free version all the way. :thumbsup:

This. I'd probably stop playing the PC version altogether if Bethesda started charging for mod tools.

No, don't give them any ideas. I want it to remain free.

*valid point*

The amount of data made me think its unlikely they'd do it for free or just at it at all >.>.
I guess it's something further away than I thought .

Would it be valid to think they'd do it without charge but still another edition? (because mods created after do help the sales for a bit) Then I'll modify the poll >.> else not.
// now I think of it. It's more like a service, I don't mean at all that they wouldn't provide the tools (on the web) themselves without it. It's just an extra you 'could' get.

What about:

It's free, but with the Skyrim Creation Kit Edition, you'll get a DVD with it on, and a Creation Kit handbook?
I'd definitaly pay 10$ for the handbook and DVD!

If the only way to get the editor was to buy it then yeah I would, although I'd be very disappointed in Bethesda. I've spent so much time modding Morrowind instead of playing it that I simply can't imagine not modding Skyrim. I bet I will only play the game for a few hours then start reading tutorials on how to convert meshes for the game, how to make new armor pieces, haircuts and weapons. For me, modding a game is playing it, and the most enjoyable part.

There's hardly any data in the construction set itself. All it is is a tool to let you access and modify the files that came with the game.

But I'd support the construction set coming with the game for free like it did with Morrowind.

Okay, look- I'd call it "very likely" that part of the reason they don't mind offering the tools without charge is the lack of extra effort needed: put'em on the web site, and create a download link. The more extra effort added- unpacking files, packaging extras, and so on- the closer they get to needing to charge money for what was once free, thus pissing a bunch of people and having a negative effect on the "modding scene" to some indeterminate extent.

In short, what I'm getting at is: It ain't broke, why are we trying to fix it when any "fix" is likely to break something and then we will have a need to fix it?

There's a load of data in the BSA/Archives that was extracted for you already in the morrowind one . That's the only reason for the DVDs of course, something like a handbook would be nice as well. Good point zaldiir.
It's more something to get more people into modding as you make it easier. With oblivion it wasn't directly clear you could modify the game as well.

It's going to be free, stop getting your pants in a bunch.

I doubt they'd survive the negetive PR they'd get for trying to sell the mod tool, plus there's always going to be those that pirate the mod tool if it costs anything.

Hopeing that its no charge. I dont make mods but I use them and go into the cs to move things around and whatnot.

Again, I don't imply it wouldn't be around for free on the web like it's right now. It'd be something extra, if you don't want it you could simply get it from the wiki. As I think it's fairly certain that'll always happen as that's working perfectly well like Alois Hammer said.

//
As the idea for me was to get more people to mod as some don't even know the existence of the tools. Would a simple note in the box or a sheet leading to the wiki/site be something that would work instead?

I'd rather get a collector's edition and download the Creation Kit (I'd back it up to disc anyway) - unless of course the Creation Kit was included in a collector's edition, which would be a nice touch.

I would pay for a comprehensive manual for the Construction Kit. The less I have to dink around trying to figure the thing out the happier I'll be.

If I had to pay for the construction kit I would have to pass on it since I don't use the one I have enough to justify buying one.

I agree, i would buy it if it had a comprehensive manual and if it wasn't too expensive

How about they just release it on a CD with the game, and DONT charge extra?

Isn't that what they did with Morrowind?

[edit] And for people who want a manual http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/Main_Page.

They'd make more money buy keeping it free than by charging money for it. Why? Because less people would buy the game if they had to pay for the Creation Kit.

No preference, but I do hope that the Creation Kit comes with some nice documentation or a help file like the original Morrowind editor did. Perhaps a big, comprehensive manual. I remember SimCity 3000 Unlimited's notoriously complex scenario editor came with a spiral-bound notebook for a manual, about 300 pages if memory serves.

Having to wait months in anticipation of the OB/FO3 editors is one thing, having to dig through a wiki and user experimentation to figure out how the new things work is another.

I think people have misunderstood this topic a little.

What Pronam is asking, is if you would buy the Skyrim Creation Kit Edition, if it featured some extra items compared to the free web version (Like a handbook).
He's not saying that they should charge for the Creation Kit itself.

What a strange idea. Let's face it, for basic modding there isn't even any need to unpack the BSAs, and if the toolkit is available for free download why pay extra for it? Now if a modder's edition included an extensive instruction manual (and an online Creation Kit helpdesk?) then it might be worth it, but even the GECK had a fair amount of tutorials made available online by Bethesda for nothing.

I really don't see this making any sense, either to modders or to Bethesda.

Why would I pay for something that is supposed to be free? *Looks at the call of duty series*

Oh.

I have never myself modded a beth game but I have installed a lot of mods. That would be a huge middle finger to the modding community if they did that. Beth got some inspiration from modders when making Skyrim. I will pay extra for a collectors edition like oblivion's or morrowind's.

IT should be as Free as always has been!

Stop Trying to charge for stuff people , Bad enogh are DLC paying 5 bucks for stuff that should be free, now you want me to pay to mod!

I don't see anywhere in this thread anyone saying it shouldn't be free... I'm sorry, but you have TOTALLY misunderstood the OP or you have simply not read the entire OP.
For future references, read the OP before posting, thanks.