Sadly, in the world of video games, legal action is a commonality. Most recently, a problem between Eve Online developer CCP and a group of fans has come up. This group of fans was modding Vampire: The Masquerade without the rights to do so, and are now suffering the consequences. The remake, which had come to be known as Project Vaulderie, will likely be seeing the inside of a virtual trash can soon, as CCP has sent over a cease-and-desist letter recently.
The whole letter can be summarized pretty well in its conclusion, which basically tells the modders to stop what they are doing and take all assets pertinent to Vampire: The Masquerade down from Project Vaulderie.
“We ask that you immediately cease and desist from the use of CCP’s name and other trademarks on http://www.projectvaulderie.com/. Specifically, please remove all references to Vampire: The Masquerade and Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines from your website, software, and related materials. In addition, remove all artwork from the original Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines game from your website and software modifications, and discontinue any future use of such artwork. If we do not receive an immediate affirmative response from you indicating that you have fully complied with these requirements, we may be forced to take further legal action against you, including but not limited to a DMCA notice to your Internet Service Provider. Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation.”
We know that CCP is 100 percent within their rights here, but modding is nothing new. If I'm honest, Vampire: The Masquerade was a pretty small title anyway. I'm not trying to diminish the work CCP may have done on the title, but maybe letting this group of players continue work on Project Vaulderie would benefit the game's legacy more than hurt it.
