James Delahunty
25 Jun 2017 9:17
Rockstar Games has moved to reassure developers of PC game mods that publisher Take Two is unlikely to launch legal action against them.
Earlier this month, developers of a popular mod tool, OpenIV, suspended development after receiving a cease and desist letter from Take-Two Interactive. The tool allowed users to create modifications for the PC versions of Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto V single player mode. However, the legal letter sent to the developers claimed the tool could be used to defeat security features and modify the software in violation of Take-Two's rights.
Players then targeted the GTA games on Steam with torrents of bad reviews, and a Change.org petition in defence of OpenIV is approaching 80,000 signatures.
Rockstar Games responded in a post on its support forums that may reassure some developers of mods for their PC 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.