Take-Two Shuts Down Browser Version of GTA: Vice City

Fans lament loss of easy access to gaming history as IP holder enforces DMCA takedown

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:58am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic, neon-lit cityscape with recognizable low-poly buildings and vehicles, conceptually representing the digital preservation of classic video game worlds.As the battle over digital preservation rages on, the vibrant neon glow of a virtual Vice City serves as a bittersweet reminder of the ongoing struggle to keep gaming history alive.Augusta Today

Just as fans were celebrating the ability to play Grand Theft Auto: Vice City directly in their browsers via the DosZone platform, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, issued a DMCA takedown request, effectively removing the game. This has reignited the debate around preserving gaming history versus protecting intellectual property rights.

Why it matters

The takedown raises broader questions about accessibility and preservation of classic video games. Browser-based emulations often provide the only way for many to experience older titles without specialized hardware, but companies like Take-Two argue they must protect their IP at all costs.

The details

Take-Two's spokesperson stated that the DosZone website was 'hosting and promoting a browser-based version of 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City,' complete with our trademarks, artwork, and a modified game engine,' which violated their 'strict policy against unauthorized modifications, emulations, or derivative works.' As a result, DosZone was forced to remove the game, leaving only a link to their Telegram channel.

  • On April 10, 2026, Take-Two issued a DMCA takedown request to DosZone, forcing them to remove the browser-based version of GTA: Vice City.

The players

Take-Two Interactive

The parent company of Rockstar Games and the owner of the Grand Theft Auto intellectual property.

DosZone

A website that was hosting and promoting a browser-based version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

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What they’re saying

“We've identified that your website is hosting and promoting a browser-based version of 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City,' complete with our trademarks, artwork, and a modified game engine. This violates our strict policy against unauthorized modifications, emulations, or derivative works, which directly harm our rights and interests.”

— Take-Two Interactive Spokesperson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow DosZone to continue hosting the browser-based version of GTA: Vice City.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between preserving gaming history and protecting intellectual property rights. While Take-Two's actions may be legally sound, they raise questions about the accessibility and preservation of classic video games for fans.