On January 9, 2026, a VR mod for Cyberpunk 2077 faced a DMCA strike from CD Projekt Red after its creator, Luke Ross, refused to make it free. Ross developed the R.E.A.L. VR mod, aiming to enhance the game experience for VR users. Initially, he reached out to the studio to see if they wanted to collaborate. They turned him down.
Then, out of the blue, CD Projekt sent a notice to remove the mod because it was paid, which they claimed violated their guidelines. Ross expressed frustration, saying, “I had no choice in the matter.” According to him, this situation left him without a chance to negotiate. The studio insisted he either make the mod free or take it down.
CD Projekt mentioned they love mods and consider them important for game enhancement. As Jan Rosner, a CD Projekt executive, put it, “We never allow monetization of our IP without an agreement.” He emphasized that while they appreciate Ross’s work, selling the mod required their permission.
Ross, however, disagrees. He argues that his mod isn’t “fan content” but rather an independent software tool. He believes that saying his creation infringes their rights is misleading. His tweets signal a desire for a “win-win solution,” suggesting that CD Projekt should consider officially supporting his work.
This isn’t the first time Ross has encountered a DMCA strike. He faced similar issues in 2022 when Take-Two Interactive, the company behind Grand Theft Auto, targeted his VR mods. His stance remains consistent: he creates mods not to replace the original games but to offer gamers something new.
His story has sparked discussions about how companies handle fan-made modifications. Many gamers feel that studios should be more open to collaboration rather than simply enforcing takedown requests. A recent survey revealed that nearly 75% of gamers support modding communities and believe that developers should encourage creativity rather than stifle it.
Moreover, as the gaming industry evolves with new technology, many companies are starting to see the value in partnerships with modders. A notable example is the case of Bethesda and their successful collaboration with modders for Skyrim.
In the end, Ross’s case illustrates the ongoing tension between creators and game developers. As he moves on to work on VR mods for other games, including Baldur’s Gate 3, the future of modding remains uncertain. It raises the question of how developers can embrace fan creativity while protecting their intellectual property.
For further reading on the legalities of modding and developer rights, you can check out a detailed report from the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
