CD Projekt Red recently issued a DMCA strike against Luke Ross, the creator of a popular VR mod for Cyberpunk 2077, claiming it violated their terms of service because it was a paid mod. Ross, who earns $20,000 monthly through Patreon for his mods, attempted to negotiate with the developer but received no response. He highlighted concerns over being branded as infringing on CD Projekt’s IP rights, insisting his software is independent and supports multiple games. Following the DMCA strike, users began pirating the mod, expressing their frustration with Ross’s compliance with CD Projekt's demands. CD Projekt has stated their strict policy against monetization of their IP without permission, emphasizing their preference for a free release of the mod, which has led to a divide among fans regarding Ross's monetization practices.

What is the controversy surrounding Luke Ross's Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod?

The controversy revolves around CD Projekt Red issuing a DMCA takedown request for Luke Ross's VR mod due to its monetization, which they claim violates their terms. Ross argues that his work is independent software, while fans have begun pirating the mod as a reaction to the developer's actions.

Cyberpunk 2077, released in December 2020, is a vast open-world RPG developed by CD Projekt Red. The game faced significant criticism at launch due to performance issues, but numerous updates and expansions have improved its reputation. The popularity of mods, particularly VR adaptations, highlights the community's desire for alternative gaming experiences within this richly detailed universe.