The GTA community, in particular its modding and machinima communities, are still not happy with Rockstar’s and Take-Two’s decision on the takedown of popular mod tool OpenIV, but Rockstar has since provided their new stance when it comes to single-player modding.
This short article, seen here, aims to answer the question: are PC single-player mods allowed? Here’s the answer in full:
Rockstar Games believes in reasonable fan creativity, and, in particular, wants creators to showcase their passion for our games. After discussions with Take-Two, Take-Two has agreed that it generally will not take legal action against third-party projects involving Rockstar’s PC games that are single-player, non-commercial, and respect the intellectual property (IP) rights of third parties. This does not apply to (i) multiplayer or online services; (ii) tools, files, libraries, or functions that could be used to impact multiplayer or online services, or (iii) use or importation of other IP (including other Rockstar IP) in the project. This is not a license, and it does not constitute endorsement, approval, or authorization of any third-party project. Take-Two reserves the right to object to any third-party project, or to revise, revoke and/or withdraw this statement at any time in their own discretion. This statement does not constitute a waiver of any rights that Take-Two may have with respect to third-party projects.
The key takeway is the three points Rockstar won’t tolerate with mods- if it’s a multiplayer project, if it hacks its online and multiplayer services, and most importantly, the use of other IPs-including Rockstar IP. The first two are understandable, any of those mods will disrupt their multiplayer service (like GTA Online) which is one their biggest money makers.
The last one is an interesting one. There were many mod projects that aims to convert maps of other Rockstar games- like GTA IV’s Liberty City and Red Dead Redemption’s New Austin, West Elizabeth and Neuvo Paradiso. According to Moddb, there were map conversion projects that used Open IV.
None of the map conversions were finished, as they got taken down as soon as it the news of it gone public.
But the map conversion was not the reason Rockstar and Take-Two took down OpenIV. Rockstar’s only statement at the time was that the tool provide hooks that can be used to hack their online service.
And at the end of the day, Take-Two can still take any mod down if it seemed not playing to these rules despite them mentioning that they will generally not take legal action. So mods can still be at risk of a cease and desist order, even if the onset they followed these rules like OpenIV did.
One good news from all of this however, is that according to PC Gamer Rockstar is now in contact with the OpenIV developers. Hopefully the two parties can find a solution that benefits both.