Bio: Ben Mansfield is a senior in film at PSU, graduating at the end of 2025, and is excited to once again participate in the film essay contest. He enjoys writing and directing, collaborating with solid teams of like minded and creative filmmakers. He believes in the importance of fandoms and the power they hold, as well as highlighting the importance of appreciating all art forms, like video games and all fan labor. Ben is looking at continuing his education after graduating, and when outside of class enjoys playing games, writing campaigns for TTRPGs, and tinkering with technology. He would like to give a special thanks to his wife M, his friends and family, the Fallout fandom, and Dr. Jungmin Kwon.

Writer's Statement:  The following essay is an analysis on fan labor and modification within the video game series, Fallout. The essay takes a look at two total conversion mods made by members of the fandom in relation to the source material, the reactions the fandom had in regards to these mods, one positive and one negative, as well as the mods' stances as a product in the overall world of copyright. Connecting these points is a personal connection from the author to the series, being a part of the fandom themselves, and their stance on video game mods as a labor of love, a full product, or just copyright infringement.