CD Projekt Red Shuts Down Paywalled VR Mod for Cyberpunk 2077 – No Room for Corpo Greed in Night City
CD Projekt Red issued a DMCA takedown notice against a popular VR mod for Cyberpunk 2077, forcing modder Luke Ross to remove it after he declined to release a free version.
Here’s the TL;DR...
CDPR’s Move: The studio targeted the mod because it required a $10 monthly Patreon subscription, violating their fan content rules against monetization.
Modder’s Response: Luke Ross pulled the mod entirely rather than make it free, arguing it’s not derivative of CDPR’s IP.
Community Reaction: Many gamers support CDPR’s stance, viewing paid mods as against industry norms, while some defend Ross’s right to charge.
Broader Impact: This highlights ongoing tensions between developers and modders over IP control and compensation.
Future Outlook: Ross has shifted focus to a new Baldur’s Gate 3 VR mod, but similar issues may arise.
CD Projekt Red’s vice president Jan Rosner confirmed the DMCA action in a public statement, explaining that the mod’s paywall breached their guidelines. The company offered Ross a chance to keep the mod online by making it accessible to all players without a mandatory fee.
What Prompted CD Projekt Red to Issue a DMCA Against the Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod?
The mod, part of Ross’s “REAL VR” suite, added immersive virtual reality support to Cyberpunk 2077, letting players explore Night City’s neon-drenched streets in first-person VR. Released in early 2022, it gained traction among VR enthusiasts for its seamless integration with headsets like Oculus and HTC Vive.
Ross locked access behind his Patreon, where subscribers pay $10 monthly for his mods across multiple games. CDPR spotted this setup and acted, citing their fan content policy that prohibits profiting from their intellectual property without explicit approval.
In his Patreon post titled “Another one bites the dust,” Ross detailed the legal exchange, noting CDPR’s insistence on a free release. He estimated earning around $20,000 monthly from his work, a figure that fueled debates about modder compensation.
How Did Luke Ross Handle the Takedown Request?
Ross refused CDPR’s terms and deleted the mod instead. He publicly criticized the studio’s “iron-clad corpo logic,” a nod to Cyberpunk‘s corporate dystopia, claiming his software doesn’t use any CDPR code or assets.
His argument hinges on the mod being a general VR tool that intercepts game visuals, similar to overlay software like RivaTuner. Ross compared the situation to past conflicts, including a 2022 DMCA from Take-Two Interactive over his GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 mods.
Despite the setback, Ross quickly pivoted, announcing a Baldur’s Gate 3 VR mod using the same pay model. This move suggests he’s undeterred, though it risks further legal challenges from other publishers.
What Do CD Projekt Red’s Fan Content Guidelines Say About Monetization?
CDPR’s rules are clear: fans can create and share mods, but monetization requires permission. Donations are allowed, but paywalls or exclusive access for paying users are off-limits.
Rosner emphasized CDPR’s support for modding, calling Ross’s work “amazing” and expressing hope for a free return. The guidelines, available on their website, apply to all titles including The Witcher series.
This policy aligns with many developers, who view paid mods as potential IP infringements or unfair competition. Exceptions exist, like Bethesda’s Creation Club, but CDPR hasn’t pursued similar programs.
How Has the Gaming Community Reacted to the VR Mod’s Removal?
Reactions split along familiar lines in modding debates. On Reddit and X, many praised CDPR for enforcing free access, arguing paid mods erode the community’s collaborative spirit.
Some users called Ross “greedy,” pointing to his high earnings. Others sympathized, noting the time investment in complex mods like VR conversions.
VR studio Flat2VR even pitched an official Cyberpunk VR edition to CDPR amid the controversy, highlighting demand for native support. No response from the studio yet.
Can Players Still Access the Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod?
The last working version, REAL VR mod v26.3.0 from January 5, 2026, circulated briefly before removal. Tutorials on YouTube explain setup, but downloading from unofficial sources risks malware or further legal issues.
CDPR has no plans for official VR support, per Ross’s claims. Fans hope community alternatives emerge, though none match Ross’s polish yet.
Other VR mods for Cyberpunk exist, but they’re less comprehensive. Players with VR headsets might explore similar titles like Half-Life: Alyx for immersive experiences.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Game Modding?
This incident underscores the fragile balance between creator rights and modder innovation. As modding tools advance, expect more clashes over compensation.
Publishers like CDPR protect their IP to avoid licensing complications, but stifling paid mods could discourage talented developers. Some suggest hybrid models, like optional donations or official partnerships.
For Cyberpunk fans, the loss stings, but it reinforces the game’s mod-friendly ecosystem—provided creators play by the rules.
The takedown of Luke Ross’s VR mod for Cyberpunk 2077 spotlights the ongoing push-pull in gaming between corporate control and community creativity. While CDPR’s stance preserves free access for all, it leaves VR players without a key enhancement, prompting calls for official support. As modders like Ross continue testing boundaries, the industry may need clearer guidelines to foster innovation without legal drama.
Hat Tips
Reddit – r/cyberpunkgame – “CD Projekt has issued a DMCA notice against the Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod” – January 17, 2026
Road to VR – “Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod Taken Down Following Legal Complaint, But There May Still Be Hope” – January 19, 2026
Patreon – “Another one bites the dust” – January 17, 2026
PC Gamer – “Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod disappears after mod maker decides he’d rather take it down than make it free” – January 19, 2026
Kotaku – “Modder Blasts ‘Corpo Logic’ Over Cyberpunk 2077 VR Takedown” – January 19, 2026
ResetEra – “CD PROJEKT S.A issue DMCA against Luke Ross resulting in VR mod removal” – January 18, 2026
Wccftech – “Paywalled Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod Forcibly Taken Down by CD Projekt RED” – January 18, 2026
NotebookCheck – “Paid Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod targeted by CD Projekt Red in DMCA takedown” – January 19, 2026
Digital Trends – “Popular Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod removed after CD Projekt Red intervention” – January 19, 2026
OpenCritic – “CD Projekt Red Has Removed Cyberpunk 2077’s VR Mod Because The Author Was Charging For Access” – January 19, 2026
PC Guide – “VR game studio pitches Cyberpunk 2077 VR edition to CD Projekt RED following unofficial mod takedown” – January 19, 2026
Article Compiled and Edited by Derek Gibbs on January 19, 2026 for Clownfish TV D/REZZED.