What's Happening?
CD Projekt has issued a DMCA takedown notice against a modder known as LukeRoss for creating a VR version of Cyberpunk 2077. The mod, which was available as a paid product, led to legal action from CD Projekt,
as it violated the company's Fan Content Guidelines that prohibit monetization of their intellectual property without permission. LukeRoss, who developed the R.E.A.L. VR mod framework supporting multiple games, expressed disagreement with the takedown, arguing that the mod does not constitute 'derivative work' or 'fan content' as it contains no code or assets from CD Projekt's IP. CD Projekt's VP of business development, Jan Rosner, stated that while the company appreciates mods, any profit from their IP requires explicit permission.
Why It's Important?
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between game developers and modders over intellectual property rights and monetization. For CD Projekt, protecting their IP is crucial to maintaining control over how their games are used and ensuring that any financial benefits derived from their work are appropriately managed. For modders, this raises questions about the boundaries of creative freedom and the ability to monetize their efforts. The outcome of this situation could influence future interactions between game developers and the modding community, potentially affecting how mods are created, shared, and monetized.
What's Next?
CD Projekt has expressed willingness to allow the mod to return as a free release, suggesting a potential resolution if LukeRoss agrees to remove the monetization aspect. This could lead to further discussions between the company and the modding community about acceptable practices and guidelines. The broader gaming industry will likely watch this case closely, as it may set precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future.
