Source: Eurogamer
The Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod removed from the internet has sparked major controversy after CD Projekt Red issued a DMCA takedown notice to its creator, Luke Ross. What first looked like another battle between game studios and modders quickly turned into a debate about money, ownership, and the limits of fan-made content.
A popular VR mod that allowed players to explore Night City in full virtual reality has officially been pulled offline. According to reporting from Eurogamer, CD Projekt Red didn’t object to the mod itself. Instead, the problem began when the creator placed the Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod behind a Patreon paywall, charging users for access.
That decision is ultimately what led to the Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod being removed.
Why the Cyberpunk 2077 VR Mod Was Removed
CD Projekt Red has a long history of supporting modding communities. From The Witcher series to Cyberpunk 2077, the studio has encouraged creative fan projects and custom content.
But the company’s official Fan Guidelines are very clear about one thing: monetization.
Their policy states:
“We’re happy for you to accept reasonable donations in connection with your fan content, but you’re not allowed to make people pay for it or have it behind any sort of paywall.”
Once the Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod was locked behind paid Patreon tiers, it violated those terms. From CD Projekt Red’s perspective, this crossed the line from fan project into commercial use of their intellectual property.
The result? A legal takedown notice and the Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod removed from public access.
The Modder’s Response to the Takedown
Luke Ross is a well-known name in the VR modding scene. He has created virtual reality mods for dozens of major games and built a strong following over the years.
After the Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod was removed, Ross didn’t stay quiet. In a detailed Patreon post, he criticized CD Projekt Red’s actions, accusing the company of using “iron-clad corporate logic.”
Ross argued that while game companies profit from their IPs, modders are expected to work entirely for free, even when they create complex tools and systems that expand a game’s lifespan.
He also rejected the idea that his mod was “derivative work,” claiming that his VR technology works across more than 40 different games and wasn’t built using CD Projekt Red’s code.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest Ross was earning up to $20,000 per month through Patreon supporters. That level of income likely played a major role in why CD Projekt Red chose to step in and have the Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod removed.
Fans Caught in the Middle
For many Cyberpunk 2077 players, this situation feels like a major loss.
Virtual reality support has long been one of the most requested features for the game. Ross’s mod allowed fans to experience Night City in an entirely new and immersive way, something the official release never offered.
Eurogamer previously showcased the mod in action back in 2022, proving just how impressive and polished the experience was.
Now, with the Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod removed, that option is gone.
Despite the setback, Ross isn’t giving up on VR modding. He has already announced a new project bringing VR functionality to Baldur’s Gate 3, showing he plans to continue pushing forward.
What This Means for Modding as a Whole
The removal of the Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod highlights a growing tension in the gaming industry:
- Developers encourage fan creativity
- Modders invest massive time and effort
- But the moment money enters the picture, legal issues follow
From a business standpoint, CD Projekt Red’s decision makes sense. They have to protect their brand and intellectual property.
At the same time, many fans sympathize with modders like Ross, who spend hundreds of hours improving games and feel they deserve some form of compensation.
It’s a complicated issue with no easy answer.
Final Thoughts from Born with a Controller
Real talk: modding has always lived in a gray area.
Most modders create content purely for the community. Others accept donations to support their time and work. But the moment a mod goes from “fan project” to “paid product,” you’re walking a legal tightrope.
I’ve used plenty of Cyberpunk 2077 mods myself, from cosmetic upgrades to fun additions like the Back to the Future DeLorean mod. They add flavor to the game, but they also exist in a risky space when it comes to copyright.
So what’s the lesson here?
If you’re building something amazing inside someone else’s universe, make sure you’re not trying to sell tickets to the show.
What do YOU think, gamers?
Should modders be allowed to charge for their work, or should all game mods remain free?
Sound off in the comments and let us know your take.
– Beast Out –