Rockstar Games Forgot How the Internet Works and Told Modders to Respect Grand Theft Auto

Rockstar Games has published new rules for mod creators, which significantly restrict the ways in which the company's games can be modified, the use of third-party intellectual property, and the commercialization of user-generated content. The document appeared on the official website on September 10 and, judging by the wording, primarily affects the FiveM and RedM ecosystems, but applies to Rockstar game modifications in general.

One of the main points of the new rules was the requirement not to alter the canon established by Rockstar. Mod creators are prohibited from expanding or rewriting official storylines, missions, and characters. It is also forbidden to combine maps, locations, characters, plot elements, and other assets from different Rockstar games.

The company specifically emphasizes that it reserves the right to set the boundaries for the use of its games and brands.

The rules also prohibit the use of protected third-party intellectual property in modifications without appropriate permissions. This includes, among other things, characters, music, images, brands, logos, and other protected elements.

Separately, Rockstar prohibits modifications and tools that interfere with the operation of official online services, as well as cheat menus and similar software. Modifications must also not impersonate projects officially approved or supported by Rockstar.

Special attention is paid to multiplayer modifications. Rockstar states that they are only allowed through its official licensed Creator Platform or under separate company permission. In 2023, Rockstar acquired Cfx.re — the team behind FiveM and RedM — and the current license agreement explicitly classifies these platforms as Creator Services.

A separate section is dedicated to money. Rockstar calls its official Creator Platform the “exclusive licensed home” for monetizing community modifications. Outside of the tools authorized by the company, mods must remain non-commercial.

The rules also list specific restrictions on earning methods: real-money gambling, loot boxes and gacha mechanics for real money, cryptocurrencies and tokens, as well as unauthorized advertising and sponsored content are prohibited.