A Russian modding group, known as Revolution Team, has released its ambitious 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' despite facing YouTube takedowns from Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games. This mod impressively ports the entire world, cutscenes, and missions from the 2002 classic, Vice City, into the 2008 game, GTA 4.

In a detailed statement, the modders expressed their frustration over Take-Two's actions, which led to the deletion of their YouTube channel without prior warning or communication. The channel was a significant platform for them, hosting hundreds of hours of streams dedicated to the mod's development and fostering a connection with an international audience. The teaser trailer for the mod had garnered over 100,000 views and 1,500 comments in less than a day before the channel was removed irreversibly.

The team described the takedown as a "cruel move" but acknowledged their inability to change the situation. They chose not to comment publicly to avoid any further risks that could jeopardize the mod's release. The past few days were emotionally challenging for the team, as they had envisioned a celebratory stream for the mod's launch, which did not come to fruition.

Despite these setbacks, Revolution Team successfully released the mod on the promised date. However, they remain uncertain about how long it will stay publicly available and whether Take-Two will demand its removal. While they do not oppose reuploads, they cannot openly encourage them, leaving the decision to the community.

Originally, the mod was intended to require a legitimate copy of GTA 4 as a gesture of respect to the publisher. However, due to the current uncertainties, it was released as a standalone, installation-ready package to ensure stable performance for a broader audience.

Take-Two's history of takedowns related to Rockstar games has strained its relationship with the modding community. The company has previously targeted various mods, including an AI-powered GTA 5 story mode mod and a VR mod for Red Dead Redemption 2. The recent takedown of the Liberty City Preservation Project, which aimed to recreate Vice City within GTA 5, is another example of this ongoing tension.

Interestingly, Take-Two has occasionally hired modders it has previously targeted, and some mods, like the Vice City mod, have been taken down only for Rockstar to later announce remasters of those games. A former Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, defended the company's actions, stating that Take-Two and Rockstar are protecting their business interests. He noted that the VC NextGen Edition mod competes directly with the Definitive Edition, and the Liberty City preservation project could interfere with a potential GTA 4 remaster.

The modding community now watches closely to see if Take-Two will attempt to take down the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' mod itself.