If you’ve used OpenIV mod for Grand Theft Auto V, we’re sure you’re already aware of the news that publisher Take-Two Interactive served a cease and desist order for the fan-made modding tool. And the developers took it down saying they don’t have the time to try and fight the order. This extremely popular modding tool was used not just create and modify content like vehicles, weapons, gameplay features, and effects, but it also served as an improved video editor. Take-Two reasoned that while they aren’t against modding as a whole, they say OpenIV threatens the security of the GTA Online mode. In a statement they say, “Take-Two’s actions were not specifically targeting single player mods. Unfortunately OpenIV enables recent malicious mods that allow harassment of players and interfere with the GTA Online experience for everybody. We are working to figure out how we can continue to support the creative community without negatively impacting our players.”
The GTA 5 community reacted rather negatively to the news saying there isn’t any evidence that the tool interferes with GTA Online. They’ve flooded the Steam page for the game with negative reviews and started a petition over at Change.org that already has over 20,000 signatures. The petition titled “Save OpenIV,” says “The closing of OpenIV leaves 10,000s of people without access to be able to mod their games, and leaves 10,000s of people without the ability to continue their hobbies.”