Paid Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod targeted by CD Projekt Red in DMCA takedown

The lack of AAA VR games frustrates many headset owners, prompting some supporters to develop custom solutions. The well-known Luke Ross offered a Cyberpunk 2077 mod that made navigating Night City feel more authentic. However, CD Projekt Red recently took legal action against the creation, which required a Patreon donation for access.

In a lengthy post, Ross revealed that the download was subject to a DMCA takedown. Unlike with bans for other mods, he was able to speak to the company’s legal representation and an executive. Still, Ross wasn’t satisfied with the explanation that labeled his efforts as a “derivative work.”

Ross argues that he wasn’t exploiting an IP, given the uniqueness of his work. He believes that the Cyberpunk 2077 mod also generated more sales for the game’s publisher. Nevertheless, ResetEra forum posters point out that the situation likely could have been avoided without a paywall.

CD Projekt Red has a fairly lax attitude toward user-created content, even supplying modders with toolkits. Yet when an author charges money for these realistic gameplay experiences, it may draw the publisher's attention. One workaround is to make the files available for free and ask for donations to fund regular updates. Ross contends that the time required to produce these alterations warrants requiring payments.

Some publishers still consider VR games a niche

Fans of VR games suffered another setback recently when Meta reduced staff at several studios that develop for its headsets. Virtual reality options for Resident Evil 4 and Deadpool are among the titles in danger. For Cyberpunk 2077 players, they now have one fewer way to add more immersion. Even so, there may be hope for an alternative to arrive in the future.

Upon hearing about Luke Ross's troubles, Flat2VR Studios expressed interest in developing an approved VR port. While the company has partnered with major publishers, CD Projekt Red may have other priorities. It’s toiling away on multiple additions to The Witcher franchise. More relevant, the Cyberpunk sequel is reportedly targeting a 2030 release date.