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

A Russian modding group, Revolution Team, has released its "GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition" mod despite facing YouTube takedowns by Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar Games' parent company. This ambitious project transplants the world, cutscenes, and missions of 2002's GTA Vice City into the engine of 2008's GTA 4.

The modders explained in their video description 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. The teaser trailer alone amassed over 100,000 views and 1,500 comments in under a day before the channel's removal. While emotionally challenging, the team prioritized releasing the mod on schedule. They acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding its long-term availability. While not actively encouraging reuploads, they haven't prohibited them.

Initially, the mod required a legitimate copy of GTA 4, a gesture of respect for the publisher. However, due to the channel takedown, it's now released as a standalone installer for broader accessibility.

Revolution Team emphasizes the mod's non-commercial nature, created by fans for fans, expressing gratitude to the original game's developers. They lament Take-Two's suppression of modding initiatives that could maintain interest in their classic titles, hoping their project sets a precedent for the modding community.

Take-Two's history of takedowns, including actions against an AI-powered GTA 5 story mode mod, a Red Dead Redemption 2 VR mod, and the Liberty City Preservation Project, is well-documented. Interestingly, Take-Two sometimes hires modders, and some projects, like this Vice City mod, have been removed only to be followed by official remasters.

Former Rockstar Games technical director Obbe Vermeij defended Take-Two's actions, stating they are protecting their business interests. He pointed out that the Vice City Nextgen Edition directly competes with the Definitive Edition, and the Liberty City Preservation Project could interfere with a potential GTA 4 remaster. He suggests that the best hope for the modding community is for Take-Two to allow mods that don't directly compete with their products.

The question remains: will Take-Two attempt to remove the "GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition" mod itself?