No one was particularly surprised when Mud managed to put Keanu Reeves’ character in Cyberpunk 2077 sex scenes, so perhaps it’s even less of a shock that CD Project Red has now intervened – and the relevant model swap mode has been taken offline .
The mod was made by mud Catmino and featured exchanges for different characters in Cyberpunk 2077, along with an explanation of how to do the whole process manually. CDPR appears to have addressed a specific model exchange, the Johnny Silverhand joytoy file, which allowed players to have sex with Keanu Reeves’ character. CDPR told me that it is not important to use mudguards to use modeling for most fictional characters in the game, but draw the line to use the actual parables in explicit scenes without the person’s permission.
“Our most important rule regarding user-generated content, especially game modes, is that it may not be harmful to others,” CD Projekt Red told Eurogamer in a statement. “In the case of model swapping transactions, especially those involving explicit situations, it can be considered as such by the people who borrowed our appearance for the purpose of creating characters in Cyberpunk 2077.
“Therefore, when creating content fans, creators should make sure they have permission from all parties involved (who may be people outside of CD Project Red). For the characters we invented for the game, let’s you in general to adapt the game at will and just have fun.When it comes to models of real people we asked to participate in the game, we ask you to refrain from it in any situation that may be offensive if you do not have their express consent.
“Consult the licensing agreement and fan guidelines for a more detailed set of rules.”
According to CDPR’s fan content rules, anyone hoping to turn Keanu Reeves into an explicit scene must get permission from the man himself. Good luck with that.
The model swap mode is set to hidden, with a note from author Catmino (now removed) explaining that they are currently cleaning things up with CDPR. When I chatted with the mud for a previous article, they noticed that the Johnny Silverhand joytoy swap was not a feature in the first version of the mod, and that it was only introduced due to the general request. Since the mod’s manual and other swaps could potentially allow players to continue characters in place of joytoys, it seems unlikely that the mod will return in any form.
This seems to be the first time that CDPR has intervened to remove a Cyberpunk 2077 mod, but with a number of celebrities in the game – including Hideo Kojima, comedy by famous streamers and voice acting by Grimes – the developer is likely to watch out for those hoping to bend the rules.
Meanwhile, CDPR yesterday released some basic modding resources for those hoping to create their own Cyberpunk 2077 modding tools – as long as you don’t make naughty scenes with celebrities.