Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod Developer Considers Free Release After DMCA, But Feels It’s Futile Due to Piracy Backlash

The developer behind the Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod, which was recently taken down following a DMCA notice, isn’t completely dismissing the idea of making it available for free. However, the modder, Luke Ross, notes that the situation has shifted since its removal, leading to piracy and some users suggesting that he deserves to have his work stolen.

Ross is recognized for his R.E.A.L VR mod framework, which adds VR support to over 40 titles, including popular games like Elden Ring and Final Fantasy 7 Remake. His Cyberpunk 2077 mod was taken offline after CD Projekt Red’s vice president of business development, Jan Rosner, stated that Ross was charging for his mods, specifically by placing them behind a $10 Patreon subscription. This, according to Rosner, “directly violates our Fan Content Guidelines,” although he expressed that the company appreciates mods and would support their return if they were offered for free. Ross had previously argued that he shouldn’t be compelled to make his software free, but he has now indicated that he might consider releasing the mod at no cost.

However, he points out several challenges. “It would take time, as my software supports over 40 games across various engines, making it complex to create a version specifically for Cyberpunk 2077,” he explains. Additionally, he worries about the reaction from those who have financially supported his development efforts, as they might not appreciate the sudden shift to free access.

Ross also mentions that the issue has become somewhat irrelevant. After the mod was removed from his Patreon, he observed that many users, concerned about losing VR support for their favorite games, began pirating and sharing the mod online. Some have even claimed that since he didn’t comply with CDPR’s terms of service, his work is now fair game for theft. “In a way, CDPR has already achieved what they wanted,” he states.

Online reactions have been mixed, with some labeling him as “greedy” for charging for the mod, while others have threatened to share links to pirated versions in retaliation for not making the Cyberpunk 2077 mod free. Ross has seen claims of free downloads circulating, which only adds to his frustration.

He maintains that his mods do not alter the original game content or compete with the experiences created by the IP owners, emphasizing that players must own the original game to use the VR mods. “When gamers are playing Cyberpunk in VR, they are experiencing Cyberpunk, not my mod. It’s puzzling how this could harm the publisher and provoke such extreme reactions,” he concludes.