Microsoft protects its multi-billion-dollar IP from a fan-made, free-to-play Halo mod for Counter-Strike 2 in a DMCA takedown — "Make sure to give your thanks!"

Barely a month ago, we shared how classic Halo multiplayer was rebuilt in the 'Project Misriah' mod for Counter-Strike 2 with "weapons, original sound effects, character models, and movement inspired by Halo 3". Originally available on Steam, the project has since been flagged by Tracer AI, an artificial intelligence bot that issues takedown notices on behalf of its partners (via PC Gamer.)

This DMCA notice specifically applies to the Steam Workshop for Counter-Strike 2, which acts as a one-click modification catalog where every part is listed free of charge. Yes, the mod itself is totally non-profit, but the copyrighted assets were ported from Halo 3, breaking Valve's rules: "Your unauthorized use of Halo game content in a workshop not associated with Halo games infringes their rights."

The community is understandably disappointed and mostly stands on the side of Project Misriah, but this outcome was essentially inevitable. There's even an official EULA for Halo: The Master Chief Collection from several years ago that touches on the taboo concept of importing assets from other games, and vice versa, even if it's part of another Microsoft IP — it's never going to end well.

Should non-profit mods be subject to DMCA?

Fan-mode mods often walk a thin line through a gigantic gray area, but can survive if the content is inspired by other games and not directly ripped from them. Replies on X point out how maps closely resembling tracks from Mario Kart appear inside Halo Infinite, but they were built with existing assets in a way that avoids legal attention — even from brands like Nintendo with a reputation for aggressive litigation.

Opinions rarely mesh with the laws of the land, even if a closer analysis might show that free mods aren't really taking potential sales away from either side of fan-mad crossover content. Personally, I'm a big fan of Grand Theft Auto mods for its '3D era', and many keep themselves on the relative downlow to avoid the watchful eyes of parent companies like Take Two.

CS2 but its Halo | Project Misriah Release Trailer - YouTube

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Still, even when fans keep asset rips within the same series, the long arm of the law can still reach out and crush their dreams. "Leave the multibillion-dollar company alone", jest regularly disgruntled fans across the modding scene, but it's an outcome I've seen time and time again — this time, it's Project Misriah.

On the other hand, would I expect publishers to turn a blind eye if its modders recreated each Halo 3 model, sound, and map from scratch with a subtle amount of legally distinct changes? It feels increasingly doubtful. Back up your favorite mods, people. Just because a game (or an entire series) can remain dormant, it doesn't mean that the lawyers behind its IP are asleep.

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