Take-Two Shuts Down Browser Version of GTA After DMCA Takedown

A browser-based version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City has been taken offline after Take-Two Interactive issued a DMCA takedown notice. The game was hosted on DOS Zone, a platform known for running classic titles directly in a web browser.

Despite disclaimers and a requirement for players to own an original copy for full access, Take-Two says the project violated its intellectual property rights.

GTA: Vice City Was Playable in a Web Browser

The removed project allowed users to run a port of GTA: Vice City without installing the game locally. This caught attention because Vice City is a large, commercial title—not a small indie or abandonware game.

An email sent by Ebrand, a global brand protection firm representing Take-Two, demanded that DOS Zone remove all content and functionality related to the game, including demos and references.

Why Take-Two Issued the DMCA

According to the takedown notice, Take-Two objected to:

Use of the Grand Theft Auto: Vice City name

Browser-based access to copyrighted game content

Requests for users to input data or keys from original copies

The company argued that this setup could enable unauthorized use and potentially bypass copyright protection, even with disclaimers in place.

Take-Two also stated the project was not licensed, approved, or endorsed by Rockstar Games.

GTA: Vice City Is Not Public Domain

Some users argue that older games should be freely accessible, but legally that’s not the case. Under U.S. copyright law, GTA: Vice City—released in 2002—will remain protected until 2097.

Until then, only Take-Two and Rockstar can legally distribute or authorize ports of the game.

Open-Source Projects Still Exist—for Now

Several reverse-engineered versions of Vice City remain available on GitHub. These projects were not targeted in this takedown, but they could be removed if Take-Two files additional DMCA requests.

Historically, platforms like GitHub comply quickly with such claims.

Why This Isn’t Surprising

Take-Two is known for strictly protecting its franchises, especially when official versions are still being sold. GTA: Vice City remains available on:

PlayStation 4 & 5

Xbox One & Series X|S

Nintendo Switch

Android and iOS

With GTA VI reportedly targeting a November 2026 release, the company is unlikely to allow unofficial versions—especially browser-based ones—to remain online.