"GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition Launched by Modders Despite Take-Two's Efforts"

A Russian modding group, Revolution Team, has defied Take-Two Interactive by releasing their ambitious 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' mod, despite facing YouTube takedowns from the Rockstar parent company. This mod impressively ports the world, cutscenes, and missions from 2002's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City into the 2008 engine of Grand Theft Auto 4.

In a statement, the modders expressed their frustration after Take-Two "deleted" their YouTube channel without any prior warning or attempt at communication. The channel was a significant platform for them, hosting hundreds of hours of streams and development content. The teaser trailer for the mod had garnered over 100,000 views and 1,500 comments in less than a day before the channel's removal, which they described as "cruel" and irreversible.

The team had envisioned a celebratory release with a cozy stream, but these plans were dashed by the channel takedown. Despite this, they managed to release the mod on the promised date, though they remain uncertain about how long it will be publicly available or if further takedown demands will follow. They do not oppose reuploads but cannot openly encourage them.

Originally, the mod was intended to require a legitimate copy of GTA 4, as a gesture of respect to the publisher. However, given the current uncertainties, they decided to release it as a standalone, installation-ready package to ensure its stability and accessibility.

Revolution Team emphasized that their project is a non-commercial fan initiative, expressing gratitude to the original game's developers, but lamenting Take-Two's stance against modding, which they believe helps maintain interest in iconic games. They hope their project might set a precedent for the modding community.

Take-Two's history of takedowns, including mods for GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, has strained its relationship with the modding community. Interestingly, the company has occasionally hired modders and has released remasters of games after similar mod takedowns.

Obbe Vermeij, a former Rockstar Games technical director, defended Take-Two's actions, stating that the company is protecting its business interests. He pointed out that the 'VC NextGen Edition' mod competes directly with Rockstar's Definitive Edition, and other projects could interfere with potential future remasters.

The current situation raises the question of whether Take-Two will attempt to take down the mod itself.