A Russian modding group, known as Revolution Team, has launched its ambitious 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' mod despite facing YouTube takedowns from Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games. This mod impressively ports the entire world, cutscenes, and missions from the 2002 classic, GTA Vice City, into the 2008 engine of GTA 4.
The modders shared their frustrations in a video description, stating that Take-Two had abruptly "deleted" their YouTube channel without prior warning or communication. They highlighted the significant effort and time invested, including numerous hours of streaming dedicated to the mod's development. The channel's removal severed their connection with an international audience and came right after their teaser trailer amassed over 100,000 views and 1,500 comments in less than a day. The modders described the takedown as a "cruel move" but acknowledged their inability to change the situation and decided to proceed with the mod's release to avoid further disruption.
Despite envisioning a celebratory stream for the mod's launch, the past few days have been emotionally challenging for the team. Nonetheless, they successfully released the mod on the promised date, although they are uncertain about how long it will remain available. They noted that while they do not oppose reuploads, they cannot encourage them openly due to potential risks.
Originally, the mod was intended to require a legitimate copy of GTA 4 as a sign of respect to the publisher. However, given recent uncertainties, the mod has been released as a standalone, installation-ready package to ensure stable performance for a broader audience.
The Revolution Team remains defiant, emphasizing that their project is a fan-made, non-commercial endeavor created out of passion for the original game. They expressed gratitude to the developers of GTA Vice City but lamented Take-Two's tendency to block modding initiatives that could keep interest alive in their iconic titles. They hope their project might set a precedent for the modding community.
Take-Two has a history of takedowns related to Rockstar games, which has strained its relationship with modders. The company has previously targeted various mods, including an AI-powered GTA 5 story mode mod and a VR mod for Red Dead Redemption 2. The recent takedown of the Liberty City Preservation Project is just one example of many.
Interestingly, while Take-Two aggressively pursues takedowns, it has also been known to hire talented modders to work at Rockstar Games. Additionally, some mods, such as the Vice City mod, have been taken down only for Rockstar to later announce remasters of the same games.
Obbe Vermeij, a former technical director at Rockstar Games, defended Take-Two's actions, stating that they are protecting their business interests. He noted that the VC NextGen Edition mod directly competes with the GTA: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition, and the Liberty City Preservation Project could interfere with a potential GTA 4 remaster. Vermeij emphasized that companies like Take-Two and Rockstar are expected to protect their commercial interests and suggested that they should allow mods that do not pose a threat to their business, such as the DCA3 project for GTA 3 on Dreamcast.
The critical question now is whether Take-Two will attempt to take down the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' mod itself.
