Take-Two Attempts To Take Down GTA VR Modder
Even without the constant updates for GTA Online and the sheer iconography of GTA V, Grand Theft Auto still stands strong on its own. Still, the modding community has done absolute wonders to keep us racing to San Andreas in our droves.
You only have to look as far as the GTA RP community that blossomed on Twitch and has continued to grow to see that the love of the world introduced in GTA V is still present. All it needs is a little nudge from fans to become a big deal all over again. These modders are crucial to the ongoing love of GTA on PC, but now, Take-Two is coming after one of them.
Why Is Take Take-Two Trying To Crush A GTA VR Modder?
In a new instalment of a worrying trend where Take-Two Interactive comes after the modders fighting to keep GTA V alive, it's now got a popular VR modder in its crosshairs. The company has issued a DMCA claim to modder Luke Ross thanks to the mods he's been making for VR. This is despite claims from Ross that his mods don't contain any copyrighted code or material.
Ross is the creator of various mods, including one that features a new VR perspective for Dark Souls. He's reported on his Patreon page that it has been on the receiving end of a DMCA claim from Take-Two. "They are demanding that I remove all their copyrighted works from my Patreon page," he says in his statement.
"I immediately asked for clarifications, since it is my belief that I'm not hosting any such materials. [...] 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 exploring Take-Two Interactive Software Inc's proprietary IP or assets."
Patreon Is Processing The Take-Two DMCA
In a new update to this story, it looks as though Patreon is looking to take care of the DMCA and assist Ross. "Patreon has provided relevant information to the creator," a representative of the site has told Kotaku. "We've requested additional clarifying information from the claimant that we'll pass along, and we've offered to connect parties directly."
Much like Nintendo's zero-tolerance policy on anyone coming anywhere near its IPs, Take-Two is being the latest goliath of the gaming industry to cull modders. Last year, a series of Take-Two takedowns were a precursor to the GTA Trilogy, but come on, we doubt a VR GTA V is on the way. It's frustrating to see, especially as the modding community behind GTA V does more good than harm. Take-Two, like many other gaming companies, seems hell-bent on crushing them. Sigh.