"GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition Launched by Defiant Modders Amid Take-Two's Takedown Efforts"

A Russian modding group, known as Revolution Team, has launched its ambitious project, 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition,' despite facing YouTube takedowns by Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games. This mod intricately ports the world, cutscenes, and missions from the 2002 classic, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, into the 2008 game, Grand Theft Auto IV.

In their video description, the modders expressed frustration over the sudden deletion of their YouTube channel by Take-Two, without any prior warning or attempt at communication. They highlighted the significant effort and time invested in the channel, which included numerous hours of streaming dedicated to the mod's development. The loss of the channel also severed their connection with an international audience, especially after the teaser trailer for GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition amassed over 100,000 views and 1,500 comments in less than a day.

The modders described Take-Two's actions as "cruel," yet they have accepted the situation, refraining from further comments to avoid any risks that might jeopardize the mod's release. The past two days were emotionally challenging for the team, as they had envisioned a different, more celebratory launch. However, they emphasized that the most crucial aspect was successfully releasing the project on the promised date, despite uncertainties about its future availability.

Initially, the mod was intended to require a legitimate copy of GTA IV as a show of respect to the publisher. However, due to the current uncertainties, it was released as a standalone, installation-ready package to ensure stable performance for a wider audience.

Revolution Team remains defiant in the face of potential further action from Take-Two, emphasizing that their mod is a non-commercial, fan-driven project. They expressed gratitude to the original game's developers and criticized Take-Two for blocking modding initiatives that aim to keep interest in their iconic games alive. They hope their project might set a precedent for the modding community.

Take-Two's history of takedowns related to Rockstar games has strained its relationship with modders. The company has previously targeted various mods, such as an AI-powered GTA 5 story mode mod and a VR mod for Red Dead Redemption 2, as well as the recent Liberty City Preservation Project. Interestingly, Take-Two sometimes hires modders to work at Rockstar Games, and in some cases, mods taken down have been followed by official remasters announced by Rockstar.

Former Rockstar Games technical director Obbe Vermeij defended Take-Two's actions, stating that the company is protecting its business interests. He noted that the VC NextGen Edition mod competes with the Definitive Edition, and the Liberty City preservation project could interfere with a potential GTA IV remaster.

The key question moving forward is whether Take-Two will attempt to take down the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' mod itself.