CD Projekt RED has enforced a DMCA takedown against a widely used VR mod for Cyberpunk 2077, effectively removing it from public access. The mod, created by VR enthusiast Luke Ross and first released in late February 2022, was designed to bring Night City to life through virtual reality headsets, offering gamers an immersive experience unlike the standard game version.
Unlike previous encounters with legal action—such as those faced during the development of mods for Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V—Ross reported direct communication with CD Projekt RED’s business development and legal teams. This time, no response was received from Take-Two Interactive, which had previously targeted his work.
The mod’s removal stems from its paywalled structure, a decision that likely prompted CD Projekt RED to act. While the developer has supported free modding communities for The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077—even releasing full mod tools (REDkit) for the former—monetization without proper licensing remains a sensitive issue.
Cyberpunk 2077’s modding scene is one of the most vibrant in gaming, with the game leading Nexus Mods in total downloads. However, this success has also drawn scrutiny, particularly when mods attempt to monetize content derived from CD Projekt RED’s intellectual property.
Ross has not abandoned VR modding entirely. He recently released a new VR mod for Baldur’s Gate 3, another title with a strong modding community. However, the same paywall model is in place, raising concerns about potential legal challenges from Wizards of the Coast, the license holder for that game.
The broader VR gaming landscape has faced significant upheaval recently, with Meta shuttering three studios and Camouflaj canceling its Arkham Shadow sequel. These changes have left an uncertain future for VR development, though Ross’s persistence suggests the community will continue to innovate despite industry challenges.
