“Gta 5” fans waged war against developer Rockstar Games and its parent company Take-Two Interactive after the closure of popular modding tool OpenIV. Apparently, the community did not like the companies’ decision to shut down the software, as they believe it to be unnecessary and futile. This was even followed by a petition, which was signed by over 50,000 players.
The developer eventually released a statement, stating that they are trying to resolve the issue involving the aforementioned “GTA 5” tool. The studio even assured the fans that its parent company, in one way or another, will not take any further legal actions.
Well, it seems all the backlash from the fandom has come to fruition.
OpenIV is back
Rockstar Games announced that OpenIV is back, but this time around, there are limitations. Basically, the tool can continue to exist as long as it adheres to the rules of the company. First and foremost, Take-Two has come to terms with the creators of the software and that no legal actions are to be made. This also involves all the third-party projects involving the studio’s PC games, such as single-player and non-commercial. The studio shall also respect the intellectual property (IP) rights of all third parties, as long as they do not interfere with the companies.
However, the rule will not apply to areas such as multiplayer and/or online services, tools, libraries, and files, among others.
These are basic elements that can be used to impact the overall essence of "GTA 5's" multiplayer or online services. So as long as OpenIV does not get involved in these areas, it can continue providing modding services.
The future of modding is still bright
The problem Take-Two Interactive had with OpenIV is its direct involvement in the online version of “GTA 5.” Supposedly, the tool is meant to be used for single-player modding only.
This means being a software capable of providing mod services to the game’s single-player aspect. However, some players found a way to use it in “GTA Online,” something that prompts the company to take legal actions.
Rockstar Games also iterated that OpenIV and other third-party mod providers should respect IPs and will not make money out of their tools.
Otherwise, the rule set is violated. As of this writing, the studio assured the “GTA 5” community that OpenIV is back. They cannot provide specific details, though, as to what the new changes are. The studio is still in contact with the creators and is expected to release an official statement later on.
