Rockstar bans GTA 5 modders for creating multiplayer outside GTA Online

The players behind FiveM, a Grand Theft Auto 5 mod which hosts an independent multiplayer mode, have had their accounts suspended, Eurogamer reports.

In an earlier statement, Rockstar defined its stance on GTA5 modding as protecting GTA Online. “Modifications that could give players an unfair advantage, disrupt gameplay, or cause griefing” were in the crosshairs, but single player content was fair game. This made FiveM, which only modifies single player code, an unlikely target.

FiveM operates on independent private servers through custom online add-ons. However, as FiveM user Ash Rogers told Eurogamer, it does interact with Rockstar’s servers to a degree. This is likely what led to its ban. Evidently, Rockstar will swing the banhammer toward any content that touches its multiplayer domain, even if it doesn't affect the balance of GTA Online.

The team behind FiveM took measures to prevent piracy, another sticking point with GTA mods, by requiring users to provide proof of purchase through Rockstar’s Social Club. “FiveM is the only thing out there on the GTA modding scene to do so,” Rogers said. “Because of this piracy protection check, Rockstar [got] angry and started to ban people. Yes, people who confirmed they purchased the game!”

The legality of it is gray given Rockstar’s initial statement, but there’s no doubt the studio has the right to police Grand Theft Auto 5 as it sees fit. Rockstar has yet to comment on FiveM’s unique situation, but an update can be expected. If nothing else, the studio has a history of explaining why modders “get kicked in the teeth,” as Rogers put it.

Source [Eurogamer]