Defiant Modders Release 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' Despite Take-Two Takedown

A Russian modding group, Revolution Team, has released its ambitious "GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition" mod, defying takedown notices from Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar Games' parent company. This impressive mod seamlessly integrates the world, cutscenes, and missions of 2002's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City into the engine of 2008's GTA IV.

The modders revealed that Take-Two deleted their YouTube channel without warning, resulting in the loss of hundreds of hours of streaming content and a significant portion of their international community. Despite this setback, and the emotional toll it took, they pressed forward, releasing the mod as promised. They acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding its long-term availability but are not actively encouraging reuploads.

Initially intended to require a legitimate copy of GTA IV as a gesture of respect, the mod is now released as a standalone installer to ensure wider accessibility. Revolution Team emphasizes the project's non-commercial nature, created by fans for fans, and expresses gratitude to the original game's developers, not the publisher. They hope their project might influence Take-Two's approach to modding initiatives.

Take-Two's history of aggressive takedowns of Rockstar game mods is well-documented, straining its relationship with the modding community. Previous examples include takedowns of an AI-powered GTA V story mode mod, a Red Dead Redemption 2 VR mod, and the Liberty City Preservation Project. Ironically, Take-Two has sometimes hired modders, and some mods, like the Vice City mod, were removed only to be followed by official remasters.

A former Rockstar Games technical director, Obbe Vermeij, offered a corporate perspective, stating that Take-Two's actions are simply protecting its business interests. He points out that the Vice City Nextgen Edition directly competes with the Definitive Edition, and projects like the Liberty City Preservation Project could interfere with a potential GTA IV remaster. He suggests the best outcome is for Take-Two to allow mods that don't pose a direct business threat.

The question remains: will Take-Two attempt to remove the GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition mod itself? The situation highlights the ongoing tension between modding communities and publishers striving to protect their intellectual property.