A Russian modding group known as Revolution Team has launched its ambitious 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition', despite facing YouTube takedowns from Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive. This impressive mod transfers the entire world, cutscenes, and missions of the 2002 classic, Vice City, into the 2008 game, GTA 4, offering a refreshed experience for fans.
In their video description, the modders expressed frustration over the abrupt deletion of their YouTube channel by Take-Two, which they claim occurred without any prior warning or attempt at communication. They highlighted the significant effort and time invested in their channel, including numerous hours of streaming dedicated to the mod's development. The loss of their channel not only severed their connection with an international audience but also erased the traction they had gained, with their teaser trailer amassing over 100,000 views and 1,500 comments in less than a day.
Despite this setback, the team remains committed to their project. They acknowledged the emotional toll of the situation but emphasized the successful release of the mod on the promised date. However, they remain uncertain about how long the mod will be publicly available, given Take-Two's history of takedowns. While they do not openly encourage reuploads, they leave the decision to the community.
Originally, the mod was designed to require a legitimate copy of GTA 4 out of respect for the publisher. However, due to the current uncertainties, the team decided to release it as a standalone, installation-ready package to ensure stable performance for a broader audience.
Take-Two has a well-documented history of issuing takedowns related to Rockstar games, which has strained its relationship with the modding community. Notable examples include an AI-powered story mode mod for GTA 5, a VR mod for Red Dead Redemption 2, and the Liberty City Preservation Project. Interestingly, Take-Two sometimes recruits modders to work at Rockstar Games, and some mods have been taken down only for Rockstar to later announce remasters of the same games.
A former Rockstar Games technical director, Obbe Vermeij, defended Take-Two's actions, emphasizing that the company, like any commercial entity, must protect its business interests. He noted that the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' mod could compete with the Definitive Edition, and the Liberty City project might interfere with a potential GTA 4 remaster.
The pressing question now is whether Take-Two will move to take down the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' mod itself.
