The developers of OpenIV are resuming their work. However, the planned Liberty City map project in GTA 5 remains on hold.
After the work on the OpenIV software was initially prohibited by a cease and desist order because the software violates the current modification rules, the team is now allowed to continue with the mod. Talks with Rockstar Games apparently went successfully for the modders.
However, they are not allowed to proceed with their large Liberty City project.
Liberty City was a major motivation for the modders
In recent weeks, Rockstar Games has sparked many discussions within the GTA community with their ban on OpenIV. After a petition with over 75,000 participants and talks with Rockstar Games, the mod developers are now allowed to resume their work. However, not in the way many fans would wish.
There are problems with the Liberty City project, which aims to integrate the entire map of GTA IV into GTA V. The OpenIV team provided an update on the situation in the GTA forums:
Community:
- First, we want to thank the community that has supported us in this difficult situation. We are very grateful for your support and the demonstration that the modding community, although small, is “loud”, creative, and determined. You made the impossible possible and have already made this story a part of the history of PC gaming and the internet itself. This is your victory! Congratulations and thank you once again!
OpenIV and Modding:
- The development of OpenIV will continue as usual. OpenIV has not supported GTA Online in the past and will not do so in the future. Our work will continue within the rules of Rockstar Games.
Liberty City in Grand Theft Auto V:
- Unfortunately, our “Liberty City in GTA V” mod, which is eagerly awaited by many fans, will not be released. It clearly violates the modding rules. The Liberty City mod is a significant loss for us, as it played an important role in the team and was vital for the motivation of the developers.
If you are wondering what comes next… well, we are currently revising our plans for the future.
The Liberty City project apparently violates the part of the Rockstar policy that states that modders “may not use or import any other IP into GTA 5, even if it involves Rockstar IP”. To read the rules: The Rockstar Modding Policy on Support.Rockstargames.com
Disappointment for the fans
The Liberty City project for GTA V has already received a lot of positive feedback within the community. The various landmarks such as the Joy Statue or the Brooker Bridge are still well remembered by many GTA fans, just like Cousin Roman, who could never get enough of bowling.
First screenshots of the mod and a teaser video of the Liberty City map show how grand this project would have been. It’s a shame that the work on it must be stopped. Perhaps Rockstar will negotiate and take some responsibility for this piece of GTA IV that could have been experienced in GTA V.
On a supposed roadmap, Liberty City was already mentioned as a paid DLC for GTA 5
