CD Projekt Hits Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod With DMCA, Creator Defies Free Request
In a recent development, CD Projekt has issued a DMCA strike against a paid VR mod for Cyberpunk 2077, which has incited a significant debate within the gaming community. The creator of the mod, Luke Ross, faced the takedown notice after refusing the developer’s request to make the modification available for free to all users.
Background of the Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod
Luke Ross introduced his VR conversion framework to support Cyberpunk 2077 in February 2022. He initiated contact with CD Projekt to explore the possibility of transforming the mod into an official release. However, the company declined his proposal.
On January 9, 2026, Ross received notification from Patreon regarding the DMCA notice issued by CD Projekt, leading to the removal of his mod. Ross explained that he had no influence over this decision, as Patreon acted upon the request without his prior input.
CD Projekt’s Position
According to Jan Rosner, Vice President of Business Development at CD Projekt Red, the DMCA strike was a necessary action given that the Cyberpunk VR mod was a paid service, violating their fan content guidelines. Rosner stated, “We never allow monetization of our IP without our direct permission.”
The company expressed its support for modding while emphasizing the importance of following their terms. “We are big fans of mods to our games,” Rosner added, mentioning that making a profit without approval is against their policy.
Ross’s Response and Legal Implications
In response to the situation, Ross critiqued the assertion that his work constituted “fan content.” He countered that his mod is an independent piece of software that does not infringe on CD Projekt’s intellectual property. “I don’t believe you are within your rights in demanding that my software needs to be free,” he declared.
Ross expressed his desire to reach a mutually beneficial solution and suggested that CD Projekt could officially sanction his mod. He highlighted the necessity for dialogue, stating, “The current state of affairs is not the best way to resolve this misunderstanding.”
Future Directions
As a result of the takedown, Ross has chosen to discontinue his support for the Cyberpunk VR mod, sharing a farewell message on Patreon. He is shifting his focus to other projects, including VR mods for various titles such as Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3.
Broader Context: DMCA Strikes and Modding Culture
This incident is not Ross’s first encounter with DMCA claims. In July 2022, he faced similar actions from Take-Two Interactive regarding his VR mods for Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2. Ross has consistently maintained that his modifications do not exploit proprietary assets nor serve as replacements for the original games.
The ongoing conversation surrounding this DMCA strike raises important questions about the balance of intellectual property rights and the creative modding community’s contributions to gaming. As the situation develops, it may set precedents for future interactions between game developers and mod creators.
