games including Grand Theft Auto 5, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Mafia: Definitive Edition has had their download links removed. Luke Ross, who is responsible for creating mods, disclosed that the DMCA takedown request of Take-Two essentially means that all further development on these mods will be required to be halted.
However, Ross is keeping his fingers crossed that the DMCA takedown request can be rebutted in some way. Since the mods themselves do not contain any copyrighted works from the corporation, Ross stated in a statement that he has questioned Take-Two about the takedown and requested clarifications from them.
“None of my modifications are built using software belonging to Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., and the modifications are not intended to replace their games, nor are they a means of exploiting Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.’s proprietary IP or assets,” Ross said in his statement. “Nor are the modifications a means of exploiting Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc’s proprietary IP or assets.” “In order to utilize any of my changes, players must first get a copy of the original game and have it in their possession,” I have stated.
Take-Two has not yet issued an official statement regarding the DMCA takedown requests, but it is likely that the basis for the requests lies in the fact that individuals who are interested in the VR mods are required to subscribe to Ross’ Patreon. Take-Two has not yet issued an official statement regarding the DMCA takedown requests. The majority of game businesses, with a few notable exceptions (such as Nintendo and Konami), have in the past turned a blind eye to modding as long as the mods in question were not monetized.
A sad day for the Flat2VR modding community. @Take2Interactiv has submitted a quite anti-consumer DMCA request to remove ALL VR Mods for their games (GTA V, RDR2, Mafia, etc.)@LukeRoss_00 Has always been extremely careful not to use any IP in his mods. pic.twitter.com/GH6OX1eZIy
— Flat2VR (@Flat2VR) July 6, 2022