GTA Vice City Stunning Mod Faces Take-Two's Backlash

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is often regarded as one of the best entries in the franchise, thanks to its unforgettable soundtrack, engaging missions, and the iconic 1980s Miami-inspired world. As anticipation for the upcoming GTA VI grows, players are getting a chance to experience Vice City like never before — thanks to a remarkable mod.

The mod, named GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition, was created by Revolution Team and takes the beloved game from 2002 and ports it into the more advanced GTA IV engine. This upgrade brings new graphical improvements, better technology, and a smoother experience, modernizing Vice City while retaining its original charm. The mod includes all the cutscenes, missions, side missions, and the entire world of Vice City, making it a truly comprehensive overhaul.

However, the release of this mod has been marred by controversy. Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of the GTA series, took issue with the mod, leading to the removal of Revolution Team’s YouTube channel, which was documenting the project’s progress. In response, Revolution Team has made the mod available as a standalone game, meaning players no longer need to own a copy of GTA IV or Vice City to play.

In a statement, Revolution Team expressed their frustration, calling the takedown "emotionally tough" but reaffirming their dedication to the project. "A lot of time and effort was invested into its development, including hundreds of hours of streaming," they said. "It's unclear how long it will remain publicly available or whether there will be demands to take it down. We are not opposed to reuploads, but we cannot openly encourage you to do so. Do as you see fit."

This isn't the first time Take-Two has clashed with modders. Just last week, the Liberty City Preservation Project, a mod that brought GTA IV's map to GTA V, was also taken down by the publisher.

For now, GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition remains available for download, providing fans with a new way to experience the classic game. But with Take-Two's track record, it's unclear how long this mod will stay online. Until then, it’s a fantastic opportunity for both long-time fans and newcomers to revisit Vice City in a fresh light.