“Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod Removed After Legal Challenge, Yet Hope Remains”
In a significant development for the gaming community, the popular Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod created by Luke Ross has been taken down following legal action from CD Projekt. Ross, known for his VR modifications for various games, announced the removal of the mod through his Patreon page.
Details Surrounding the Takedown
On Saturday, Luke Ross revealed that CD Projekt had issued a DMCA takedown notice for the unofficial VR mod. This notice was prompted by the fact that Ross had placed the mod behind a paywall, a move that CD Projekt argues violates their guidelines for fan-created content.
CD Projekt’s Stance
- CD Projekt insists on a “no commercial usage” policy for fan content.
- The company acknowledges donations for fan content but prohibits any paywall restrictions.
In Ross’s words, the situation reflects a consistent corporate policy: “Every little action that a company takes is in the name of money, but everything that modders do must be absolutely for free.” While Ross appreciated the communication from CD Projekt’s legal team, he understood the boundaries set by the company’s guidelines.
Future Prospects for Cyberpunk 2077 in VR
Despite the setback, there is a possibility for an official VR version of Cyberpunk 2077. Flat2VR Studios, noted for its work on VR adaptations, has expressed interest in collaborating with CD Projekt for an official port.
Flat2VR Studios’ Interest
The studio shared its aspirations on social media, stating that Cyberpunk 2077 is one of their “dream games to port.” This proposal may pave the way for an official VR release, although the outcome remains uncertain.
Implications for Modders
The legal action against Ross underscores the risks faced by modders who attempt to monetize their creations. While he complied swiftly with the takedown notice, the fears of corporate retribution linger in the modding community. Companies can follow up with deeper investigations into a modder’s revenue and potentially seek damages.
The Future of VR Modding
The community is left wondering about the viability of VR versions for games already owned. Concerns about whether a paid VR version would be justified are prevalent. As it stands, Ross’s Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod is unlikely to be made free, suggesting that either Flat2VR will take over the project, or independent developers may create their own versions.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between corporate policies and the creativity of the modding community, leaving many enthusiasts eager for future developments in VR gaming.
