Would a modding API without graphics access be as successful as forge?

[Aphordite]

I've looked at the source code of many popular mods and saw how much OpenGL is utilized to accomplish a lot of tasks. From rendering vehicles, structures, and items to altering vanilla visuals.

 

If a new modding API were to be made hypothetically could enough features be added to support most things modders need... without any access to OpenGL or another graphics api?

Edited July 11, 2019 by Aphordite

[LexManos]

Vanilla is attempting that, it just moves slowly. And modders are vilently resistant to change. So in theory a system could be developed to do 99% of what modders need. But it would never be used.

[Aphordite]

15 hours ago, LexManos said:

Vanilla is attempting that, it just moves slowly. And modders are vilently resistant to change. So in theory a system could be developed to do 99% of what modders need. But it would never be used.

If in theory a system could be created, what's the ball park of features it might need to have for modders to accomplish things they did with OpenGL? Like what are things you've seen modders do that would definitely need supported?

[LexManos]

No idea, modders just scream that they want direct GL without articulating why or what they are doing. Or how the system we currently have is not adequate.