CD Projekt Red Takes Down Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod Over Commercial Use
CD Projekt Red has forced the removal of a popular unofficial VR modification for its hit game Cyberpunk 2077. The developer cited legal concerns after the mod's creator began charging for access through a Patreon paywall.
Modder Luke Ross Receives DMCA Takedown Notice
Luke Ross, a well-known VR modder, announced the removal on his Patreon page. He revealed that CD Projekt Red issued a DMCA takedown notice targeting his VR mod for Cyberpunk 2077. The core issue involves Ross placing the modification behind a paywall, which the developer views as selling access to altered game content.
Ross has developed numerous 'REAL VR' mods for other major titles. His portfolio includes Hogwarts Legacy, Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered, Elden Ring, and Final Fantasy VII Remake. The Cyberpunk 2077 VR project stood as one of his most popular creations before its removal.
Modder Criticizes Corporate Approach
Ross compared this situation to a similar takedown by Take-Two Interactive for a Grand Theft Auto mod. He expressed frustration with CD Projekt Red's communication. "At least they were a little more open about it, and I could get a reply both from their legal department and from the VP of business development," Ross stated.
He continued, "But in the end it amounted to the same iron-clad corpo logic: every little action that a company takes is in the name of money, but everything that modders do must be absolutely for free." This highlights the ongoing tension between commercial game studios and the modding community.
CD Projekt Red's Fan Content Guidelines
The studio's position is clearly outlined in its official Fan Guidelines. These rules explicitly prohibit commercial usage of content created by the community. The guidelines state, "We'd love for your fan content to be created by fans, for fans. Therefore, you cannot do anything with our games for any commercial purpose."
CD Projekt Red allows for reasonable donations connected to fan content. However, the guidelines firmly forbid making people pay for access or hiding content behind any paywall. "Don't make content only available to paid subscribers," the studio emphasizes. This policy made Ross's Patreon model a straightforward violation.
Potential for an Official VR Version
Despite this clash, there might be hope for VR enthusiasts. Flat2VR Studios has approached CD Projekt Red with a proposal for an officially sanctioned VR version. This studio has experience with VR ports, including projects like Trombone Champ, Half-Life 2 VR, and Surviving Mars: Pioneer.
An official partnership could provide a legitimate VR experience for Cyberpunk 2077, avoiding the legal gray areas of unofficial modifications. This development suggests that while CD Projekt Red protects its intellectual property rigorously, it remains open to professional collaborations in the VR space.
