GTA V Game Mod Runs Smoothly on Steam Deck

In a surprising development, the Liberty City mod for Grand Theft Auto V has been successfully installed on the Steam Deck handheld console, bringing the updated Liberty City from Grand Theft Auto IV to life with impressive features like 4,500 NPC scenarios and working traffic. Despite initial installation hurdles, the mod runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, maintaining consistent visuals and frame rates.

The installation process, though complex, has been detailed by the author, involving the transfer of the game folder to an external SSD, installation of the mod on a Windows PC using OpenIV, and then transferring the modified folder back to the Steam Deck. The result is a seamless gaming experience, with the mod running without noticeable frame rate drops. This development is significant, as it showcases the Steam Deck's capabilities in handling demanding games like GTA V with mods, offering players the freedom to enjoy their favorite games anywhere.

However, the success of the Liberty City mod on the Steam Deck is juxtaposed with the shutdown of the Liberty City Preservation project, a community mod that aimed to recreate Liberty City using Grand Theft Auto V's engine. The project, which was six years in the making, was taken down by Rockstar Games due to its popularity, sparking anger and frustration from the modding community. The inconsistency in allowing community creations has been a point of contention, with some feeling that Rockstar is being overly restrictive.

The ability to run GTA V with the Liberty City mod on the Steam Deck is a testament to the device's capabilities and the dedication of the modding community. While the shutdown of the Liberty City Preservation project is a setback, it highlights the importance of community-driven creations and the need for developers to balance their intellectual property rights with the enthusiasm and creativity of their fans.