CD PROJEKT RED has begun striking down the popular Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod created by well-known modder Luke Ross. While it may appear to be a straightforward takedown at first glance, the situation is slightly more nuanced.
There is little debate around the quality of the mod itself, which was widely praised by those who used it. However, it was distributed behind a Patreon paywall, meaning access required payment. That placed it in direct conflict with CD PROJEKT RED’s fan content guidelines, which prohibit monetizing its IP without prior permission.
Like many of Luke Ross’ other projects, the Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod was distributed behind a Patreon paywall, meaning access required payment. That put it in conflict with CD PROJEKT RED’s fan content guidelines, which prohibit monetizing its IP without prior permission.
Under those guidelines, paid access counts as commercial use, even when framed as early access. CD PROJEKT RED subsequently issued a DMCA notice and has since stated it would be open to the mod returning if it were made freely available to the public.
CD Projekt Red's VP, Business Development, Jan Rosner, also commented on the mods removal:
I’d like to briefly address the discussion around the “Cyberpunk VR” mod created by Luke Ross. We have indeed issued a DMCA strike, as it was available as a paid mod (only accessible to Patreon subscribers). This directly violates our Fan Content Guidelines: we never allow monetization of our IP without our direct permission and/or an agreement in place. We were in touch with Luke last week and informed him that he needs to make it free for everyone (with optional donations) or remove it.
Jan Rosner - VP, Business Development at CDPR
Following the mod’s removal, Ross addressed the situation on Patreon, where he expressed frustration over the lack of permitted financial support for modders, particularly in cases where no official VR version of a game exists.
Ross is best known for his work on the R.E.A.L. VR framework, which enables VR support across a wide range of traditionally non-VR PC games, including titles such as Far Cry and Atomic Heart. With Cyberpunk 2077 support now removed, he has shifted focus toward other games, including Baldur’s Gate 3 VR, which could prove especially ambitious if executed well.
It highlights a difficult line to draw. Modders often invest significant time and expertise into projects that help keep games active long after launch. Communities around titles like Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC, or even Skyrim, as well as platforms built on user-generated content, such as Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft, demonstrate just how valuable that work can be.
Do you think publishers should allow modders to financially support themselves, or should all mods remain free? Share your thoughts in the comments or vote in the poll below:
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