A modification for Cyberpunk 2077 that enabled players to experience the game in virtual reality has been removed from the internet. This action was taken after CD Projekt, the game’s developer, issued a legal takedown notice to the mod’s creator.
The modder, known as Luke Ross, recently announced that the studio had sent a DMCA notice demanding the removal of his Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod. Ross is a well-known figure in the VR modding community, having previously worked on modifications for other major titles like The Witcher 3.
However, the studio’s issue was not with the existence of the mod itself. Instead, the problem stemmed from Ross placing his work behind a paywall on Patreon. By requiring payment to access the mod, Ross was effectively selling the content, which goes against CD Projekt’s official ‘Fan Guidelines’.
According to the studio’s rules, fans are allowed to create content using their games and accept reasonable donations. However, they explicitly forbid making content available only to paying
Despite understanding the legal reasoning, Ross expressed feelings of bitterness regarding the forced removal of his work. In a post on Patreon, he criticized the situation, suggesting that while companies act in the name of profit, modders are expected to provide everything for free.
Ross argued that the concept of ‘derivative work’ was being stretched too thin. He noted that his system allows for the visualization of over 40 different games in immersive 3D VR, yet it is being targeted as if it directly utilized the studio’s intellectual property.
He also mentioned that the studio seemed to disregard the happiness that playing their game in VR brought to many people. It is estimated that Ross generates approximately $20,000 per month from his paid mods.
Back in 2022, a reviewer tested out Ross’s Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod and documented the experience. The gameplay allowed players to feel as if they were inside the game world, offering a unique perspective on the title.
Despite the legal challenges with CD Projekt, Ross is not abandoning his VR modding efforts. In the same announcement regarding the Cyberpunk mod, he revealed the release of a new VR mode for Baldur’s Gate 3, another critically acclaimed game developed by Larian Studios.
Meanwhile, CD Projekt Red has been in the news for other reasons. Earlier this month, the creative director for Cyberpunk 2 discussed why the male version of the protagonist, V, was absent from marketing materials following the release of the game’s 2.0 update.
