A Russian modding group, known as Revolution Team, has boldly launched its 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' despite facing YouTube takedowns initiated by Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games. This ambitious mod transforms the 2002 classic, Vice City, into the 2008 engine of GTA 4, complete with updated worlds, cutscenes, and missions.
In a detailed statement, the modders expressed their frustration over Take-Two's actions, which they claim resulted in the deletion of their YouTube channel without prior warning or communication. The channel was a significant platform for them, hosting hundreds of hours of streams dedicated to the mod's development and fostering a strong international community. The teaser trailer for the mod had rapidly gained over 100,000 views and 1,500 comments, showcasing the high level of interest and engagement from fans.
The sudden removal of their channel was a harsh blow to the team, who had envisioned a celebratory launch stream. However, they persevered and released the mod on the scheduled date. They noted the uncertainty regarding how long the mod would remain available, given Take-Two's history of takedowns. While not encouraging reuploads, they left it to the community's discretion.
Originally, the mod was designed to require a legitimate copy of GTA 4 to play, as a gesture of respect to the publisher. However, due to recent developments, it was released as a standalone, installation-ready package to ensure stability and reach a broader audience.
The Revolution Team emphasized that their project is a non-commercial effort, created by fans for fans. They expressed gratitude to the original game's developers but lamented Take-Two's stance against modding, hoping their project might set a positive precedent for the modding community.
Take-Two's history of mod takedowns, including recent actions against various mods like an AI-powered GTA 5 story mode and a VR mod for Red Dead Redemption 2, underscores their strained relationship with modders. Interestingly, Take-Two has also been known to hire some of these modders to work at Rockstar Games, and some mods have preceded official remasters announced by Rockstar.
In defense of Take-Two's actions, former Rockstar Games technical director Obbe Vermeij highlighted that the company is protecting its commercial interests. He noted that mods like the VC NextGen Edition and the Liberty City Preservation Project could interfere with potential remasters, such as a possible GTA 4 remaster.
The critical question now is whether Take-Two will attempt to take down the GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition mod itself, continuing their pattern of enforcing copyright and protecting their business interests.
