Rockstar and Take Two are once again going hard after modders, taking action against a modder who created a minigame mod in Dead Redemption 2.
The mod is known as Hot Coffee and is similar to a minigame that was also hidden in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
The commotion first began back in 2005, when an inaccessible minigame in GTA San Andreas featured the main character, CJ, having sex with his girlfriend.
It caused an uproar within the mainstream media when the game arrived on PC and modders dug into the code and found the minigame.
The game had to be re-rated as “Adults Only” until Rockstar released a patch that removed the content.
Now a new version of the mod – this time for Red Dead Redemption 2 – was created and uploaded to NexusMods – a mods download hub.
However, its availability is currently under threat as Take Two interactive, the publisher for Rockstar Games want it taken down.
A YouTuber that goes by the name Swegta mentioned that a legal representative of the two companies have already contacted the modder and demanded that the minigame be deleted at once.
According to Swegta, the game’s EULA prohibits decompiling, preparing derivative works based on, or otherwise modifying the software.
These include inserting minigames such as Hot Coffee.
Allegedly from Rockstar Games and Take Two representatives:
“I’ve been trying to reach you by phone but you haven’t answered my calls or returned my voicemail. It’s very important that we speak. We represent Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games, owners of Red Dead Redemption 2, and have become aware of your Red Dead Redemption 2 “Hot Coffee” mod posted under the aliases “Jedi Josh920” and “Unlosing.” You probably realized that mods such as this violate the game’s End User License Agreement and Code of Conduct as well as a host of other legal violations. While this is a serious matter, I’m hoping we can reach a quick and amicable solution. It would be unfortunate if we had to escalate this further. But we cannot resolve this unless you contact me immediately. And while the mod must be taken down and disabled, please do not delete any data, code, accounts, communications, logs, etc. related to the mod. Again, please do not ignore this email. We are trying to reach an agreeable solution, but this is serious and will not go away by ignoring it. We expressly reserved all rights. Thank you.”
Additionally, the code of conduct for online games prohibits users from creating, uploading or posting materials that are vulgar, obscene, sexually-oriented or inconsistent with community standards.
The mod maker who goes by the name Unlosing confirmed that he was contacted by a Rockstar rep recently and that they asked him to take down the mod.
Take Two appear to be under the impression that someone using code for their own private use is something they should have control over.
The mod maker believes that his mod did not violate any rules.
According to him, the mod has no nudity or nude models. It only utilizes assets that are already in the game.
These include the scene and the moaning sounds which suggest that the characters are having sex. The mod maker also said that standards for online services do not apply to the mod since it is only available for single-player, for private use.
The mod has yet to be taken down and is still available for Red Dead Redemption 2.
It is still uncertain whether the mod maker would succumb to legal threats and take down the mod or play hardball for Rockstar and insist that he did not violate any existing gaming standards.
MORE: Red Dead Redemption mod project canceled after lawsuit from Take-Two Interactive
