Modders who did not bow to Take-Two can count on an amicable resolution of the case. Perhaps this will send a clear message to other mod developers that the publisher is simply threatening modders to “buy time”.
The end of the case related to the removal of high-level Take-Two mods for the original GTA 3D trilogy is approaching. Everything indicates that the dispute, which has been going on for almost a year and a half, will be settled out of court within the next 30 days.
New threads in case of banned mods
Information about the case was provided by whistleblower Ben videotech on twitter (specializing in Rockstar Games and Take-Two). He mentioned the tense situation in the second half of 2021 between Take-Two and a group of modders. At that time, the owner of Rockstar Games wanted to remove fan-made mods (especially those that improve graphics) for the GTA 3D trilogy (GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas) from the internet, because at that time, as it turned out, a remaster called GTA Trilogy – Definitive Edition was in the works for its debut. Most modders deleted their works for fear of being sued by Take-Two, but some did not agree to Take-Two’s terms, including the creators of the re3 advanced mod for GTA III and Vice City.
Ben videotech says the battle between Take-Two and re3 developers will end in the next 30 days, even if the verdict cannot be made public. Besides, both parties want to end the case through a settlement, perhaps without swearing in a verdict and imposing a financial penalty. The tipster mentions that there is no justification to pursue the matter, because the modders did not have bad intentions: they did not harm the sales of GTA Trilogy – Definitive Edition and they did not win money with the mod they designed.
Is Take-Two tired or not feeling threatened after all?
It’s hard to say if in the case of the Take-Two mod he just wanted to “buy time” for fear of GTA Trilogy – Definitive Edition sales are affected. After all, the remaster received very low ratings: it was criticized, among others. technical issues, cut content and censorship. There have also been criticisms of the high price and removal of the original releases from digital stores. No wonder Take-Two feared competition in the form of free and often very good mods.
In the end, the trilogy sold very well, but players are more likely to play the original episodes of the series. Maybe that’s why Take-Two finally wants to wrap it up. A year and a half after the release of GTA Trilogy – Definitive Edition, the visual mod re3 can no longer affect the sales of the remaster.
It should also be noted that a few months ago the giant began to remove modifications from another installment of this great brand: Grand Theft Auto IV. Time will tell if settling the matter out of court will cause modders to be more adamant against Take-Two’s decisions.