Luke Ross talks about the blocking of his VR mod for Cyberpunk 2077
Independent developer Luke Ross has detailed the circumstances surrounding CD Projekt Red's action against his paid modification for Cyberpunk 2077. In a conversation with IGN, Ross clarified how the Polish company halted the distribution of his REAL mod, a tool that enabled playing the title in virtual reality. 🎮
The end of the REAL mod project
Ross confirmed that he will not attempt to reverse the measure taken by the intellectual property owners. Although his mod did not modify the game's base files, its business model of access via payment likely violated the terms. Now, the creator is evaluating other directions, but adapting his technique to other AAA games represents a huge challenge. His development method, which focuses on visual immersion over full manual interaction, also limits the titles he can address.
Technical details and limitations:- The mod worked by injecting code to generate a stereoscopic view, requiring powerful hardware to function smoothly.
- The development pattern prioritizes an immersive experience over naturally manipulating objects with the hands.
- Redirecting this technology to other games involves a significant amount of work.
I do not plan to fight this decision. I understand that, although it did not touch the original files, charging for access may have crossed a line.
Community reaction and legal issues
Numerous users who purchased the mod have expressed their discontent, as they can no longer use it. Ross noted that he is not in a position to refund the money directly, because the transactions were handled by external services. This event underscores the complex terrain of paid mods and copyright.
Key points of the conflict:- Mod buyers express frustration at losing access to a feature they paid for.
- The developer cannot manage refunds due to using third-party payment platforms.
- The episode exemplifies how a large company can enforce its terms of use on mod creators.
An uncertain future and palpable irony
The future of the REAL mod project is now uncertain. Ross is exploring alternatives, but the path is not straightforward. The situation is ironic: Night City, a fictional universe built on transgressing norms, proves to have very defined boundaries when someone seeks to profit from changing how it is perceived. This case highlights the gray area in which mod developers often operate. 🛑