CS2: Project Misriah Mod Shut Down

Microsoft DMCAs Halo 3 Recreation Mod Project Misriah for CS2

Microsoft just took down Project Misriah, a huge Counter-Strike 2 mod, taking us back to the familiar debate about fan creativity, copyright boundaries, and how far modding communities can go before crossing the line.

Project Misriah was an ambitious attempt to recreate the Halo 3 multiplayer experience inside Counter-Strike 2. Built using Valve’s Source 2 engine, the mod aimed to capture Halo’s iconic maps, movement style, and overall feel while making it playable within CS2’s mechanical boundaries. When it launched on the Steam Workshop in mid-November, it quickly gained attention from both Halo veterans and Counter-Strike players impressed by the technical execution.

The fact that Halo fans haven't heard any news about the next title in the franchise only led to a boost in momentum for the mod. That momentum, however, came to an abrupt stop when Microsoft filed a DMCA complaint, forcing the mod’s removal from Steam. According to the notice, Project Misriah made unauthorized use of Halo game content, including sound effects, character models, maps, and mechanics. Unlike projects that simply draw inspiration, this mod directly reused assets from Microsoft and Bungie’s franchise, leaving little room for legal ambiguity.

The mod’s creator, Froddoyo, confirmed that Project Misriah would not return in any form. While clearly disappointed, the developer kept a pragmatic tone, thanking players for their support and noting that the experience helped build skills that would be applied to future, original projects. For many in the community, the situation felt inevitable, even if the execution of the takedown was extremely frustrating.

The Project Misriah team put years of effort into creating the overhaul mod and boosting CS2's gameplay with the Covenant vs. UNSC aesthetic. This mod aimed at bringing back that rainy, nostalgic feeling we all had "finishing the fight" nearly twenty years ago, and we can't help feeling Microsoft could have negotiated with the Misriah team ahead of time instead of letting them cook for so long only to shut them down.

Valve, for its part, has long taken a neutral stance on copyright enforcement within the Steam Workshop. When rights holders submit valid claims, content is removed. Similar situations have played out before, most notably with Nintendo-related mods in Garry’s Mod. From a legal perspective, platform holders rarely have the incentive or authority to push back against copyright owners, especially when the assets in question are clearly identifiable.

Microsoft’s approach to Halo fan projects has been inconsistent, but it's clear their eyes are on the money. Transformative, non-commercial works that follow its Game Content Usage Rules have historically been tolerated. Projects that directly replicate or distribute Halo content, however, have repeatedly been shut down. With Halo still generating revenue through The Master Chief Collection, anniversary remakes, and upcoming remakes, Microsoft has a clear financial interest in maintaining tight control over the brand.

For Counter-Strike 2 players, the takedown of Project Misriah is a heavy blow and shows how fragile community-driven content can be, even when it is widely acclaimed. CS2’s modding community remains one of its strongest assets, and players constantly look for new ways to transform the standard competitive gameplay. For those who like sticking to high-octane competition, there's a whole other world of options, with options like FaceIT, dozens of amateur tournaments, CS2 boosting, and professional Esports competitions all year round.

Ultimately, Project Misriah’s fate is a painful reminder of a hard truth about fan-made recreations. Passion and technical skill are not enough when recreating content belonging to the big boys in the gaming market. For modders, the safest path forward remains in original designs inspired by beloved games, not direct replicas. For players, it is another example of how the worlds of Counter-Strike, Halo, and competitive gaming culture continue to collide, sometimes in exciting ways and sometimes in legal battles.

RIP Project Misriah, you will be remembered, and while the project may be gone, CS2 modding will live on.

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