Rockstar Games has updated its modding guidelines, issuing a clear reminder to players to "respect their games" as anticipation builds for the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. The updated policies, which follow a series of clashes with fan creations and the closure of several GTA roleplaying communities, aim to restrict the development of mods that alter the established continuity, characters, and stories of Rockstar's titles.
As outlined in the new guidelines, players are prohibited from expanding or modifying official storylines, plots, missions, characters, or any other elements that constitute the established continuity of Rockstar Games' titles. Furthermore, mods that combine elements, such as maps, locations, characters, or in-game assets, from one Rockstar Games title into another are also forbidden. Multiplayer modding is strictly limited to Rockstar's official licensed Creator Platform or any other direct licensing agreements with the company.
The updated rules also state that mods cannot be developed to run games on consoles, hardware devices, or platforms for which they have not been officially released by Rockstar Games. Additional restrictions include the prohibition of introducing third-party intellectual property into the game universe, as well as modifying or reusing voiceover performances from any Rockstar Games title. The use of any real-world person's voice, image, or likeness without explicit written permission is also disallowed.
Rockstar Games emphasizes that these rules are in place because, as creators, they "have the right to set limits on how others can use our games and brand." While some restrictions, such as prohibiting the use of an individual's likeness without consent, are seen as positive steps, particularly with advancements in AI, the new policies are expected to significantly curtail creative modding possibilities. These regulations currently apply to Grand Theft Auto V and earlier titles, as well as other Rockstar games like Red Dead Redemption 2. However, they are anticipated to impact the potential for fan-driven modding on future PC ports, including Grand Theft Auto VI.