Modder Criticizes ‘Corpo Logic’ for Removing Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod

The modder behind a paywalled VR mod for Cyberpunk 2077 has accused CD Projekt RED of mimicking the actions of another major company after receiving a DMCA takedown notice from their legal team. Undeterred, the modder has now launched a VR mod for Baldur’s Gate 3, using the same subscription-based distribution model that caused issues with Cyberpunk 2077.

Known in the VR modding scene as Luke Ross (a pseudonym), this modder has gained notoriety for his “R.E.A.L. VR” project, which supports a wide array of popular games like Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, and Marvel’s Spider-Man. The catch? Accessing the R.E.A.L. VR mod requires a $10 monthly subscription through his Patreon. While a one-time payment could get you the necessary files, any game updates would require a renewal of that subscription. Back in 2022, estimates suggested he was pulling in around $20,000 a month from this model.

Charging for mods typically violates the terms of service set by most publishers, which is why Ross’ R.E.A.L. VR project faced a DMCA takedown from another company for its support of Red Dead Redemption II and Grand Theft Auto V.

In a lengthy rant on his Patreon, Ross criticizes the aggressive stance of companies like Take-Two, claiming they treat modders and gamers poorly. He argues that there’s little difference between his paid mods and those offered for free.

In a recent post, he directed similar criticism at CD Projekt RED, accusing the company of prioritizing profit over community support. He argues that their interpretation of “derivative work” is overly stretched, suggesting that his immersive VR system doesn’t infringe on their intellectual property.

This post was made on January 17, and since then, R.E.A.L. VR has been updated to support Baldur’s Gate 3. Given Hasbro’s history of aggressive DMCA actions, it’s likely that this support won’t last long.

Playing devil’s advocate, there’s merit to Ross’ frustrations. R.E.A.L. VR is a complex project that likely requires significant maintenance, making it challenging to sustain without financial backing.

However, many modders successfully navigate this issue by accepting donations instead of charging for their work. This approach allows them to offer their mods for free while still receiving support from appreciative users, minimizing the risk of legal repercussions.

The community has shown resistance to paywalled mods as well. A mod that added DLSS support to Starfield faced backlash when it was placed behind a subscription paywall. Many users on forums have sided with CD Projekt RED, with some pointing out that Ross was aware of the terms of service and chose to push boundaries. Comments like “Good, paywalled mods are disgusting” reflect a growing sentiment against monetizing mods in this way.