Mod DB, the "largest website dedicated to supporting independent development of games, including mods, indie games, and homebrew", is hosting its own 2008 Mod of the Year Awards, highlighting the best in PC video game mods. And if you don't know what a mod is, it's basically a file or set of files made by a developer or ordinary citizen which modify a game in some way, thereby offering extended enjoyment to the player.

“Modders are tomorrow’s game development professionals, exploring new ideas and pushing boundaries,” said Scott Reismanis, Founder, Mod DB, the event organizer. “Their creativity and determination has positively influenced the video games industry and brought sheer enjoyment to gaming fans everywhere. We’re proud to be hosting the Mod of the Year Awards for the seventh straight year and to be recognizing the great works of such talented artists.”

The site summarizes:

What a year it has been for modding and indie games. For the first time 5 mods were released on Steam with each now boasting thousands of simultaneous online players. Black Mesa may still be unreleased, but its trailer went viral, racking up half a million views in 1 day. Indie games like Audiosurf (PC) and flOw (PS3) have hit the top sellers list. The reach and significance of your efforts as game developers is greater now than ever, so join us as we present the 2008 Mod of the Year.

Note that last year's winner, Insurgency, is now on Steam, and is being played by thousands at the moment.

Voting (available to the 300 inde games and 4,700 mods on the site) started Friday, and will run through til January 16, at which time the votes will be tabulated, and a top 100 will be announced. Then, round two will begin (Jan. 17), lasting until February 2. At this point (February 28), the Players Choice and Editors Choice winners will be revealed. These mods will be showcased with an exclusive video presentation and editorial write-up -- plus, download links!

Here are the award categories:

Of course, all this flash won't go to waste -- the winners will receive prizes from the events various sponsors. It's a huge list, so it's best just to head on over here and check it out if your work is on the site.