The modder known as 'Dark Space,' who developed a playable version of the Grand Theft Auto 6 map within Grand Theft Auto 5, has halted all efforts on the project following a takedown notice from Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games.
Dark Space crafted a free-to-download mod using leaked coordinate data and official trailer imagery from GTA 6, and shared gameplay footage on his YouTube channel. The mod garnered significant attention in January, drawing in eager GTA fans anxious for any glimpse of the forthcoming game, set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S this fall.
However, the project's momentum was curtailed last week when Dark Space received a copyright strike notification from YouTube, prompted by a removal request from Take-Two. Accumulating multiple such strikes can lead to the termination of a YouTube channel.
In response, Dark Space preemptively removed all download links to his mod, although Take-Two had not yet directly requested this action. He then posted a video on his channel, criticizing Take-Two's move and hinting that the accuracy of his mod's depiction of the GTA 6 map might have been the reason behind the takedown.
In a subsequent interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed a philosophical stance, noting that he anticipated such action based on Take-Two's history of targeting similar fan projects. He suggested that his mod's reliance on a community-driven mapping project, which accurately mapped out GTA 6's virtual world using leaked coordinates, could have spoiled the surprise for the game's fans.
Understanding Take-Two's perspective, Dark Space acknowledged that if he were in their position, protecting a meticulously crafted game world from premature exposure would be a priority. As a result, he has decided to abandon the GTA 6 mod project entirely, stating that continuing would be futile against Take-Two's clear opposition.
Looking forward, Dark Space plans to focus on creating content that his audience enjoys, steering clear of further GTA 5 mods related to GTA 6 due to the potential risks involved. There is now speculation about whether the GTA 6 community mapping project might be next on Take-Two's list for removal. IGN has reached out to the group for their response.
GTA 6 Key Art's Hidden Map..?
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Take-Two has previously enforced similar takedowns, notably targeting the YouTube channel of the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' creators, who ported elements of 2002's Vice City into 2008's GTA 4.
A former Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, defended Take-Two's actions, explaining that the company is merely protecting its commercial interests. He noted that mods like the 'VC NextGen Edition' directly compete with official products like the Definitive Edition, while projects like the Liberty City preservation could impact potential remasters.
Vermeij emphasized that companies are expected to defend their business interests, but expressed hope that Take-Two would continue to allow mods that do not interfere with their business, citing the example of 'DCA3,' a GTA 3 mod for the Dreamcast.
As fans await the release of GTA 6, they can explore IGN's coverage of various related topics, including insights from an ex-Rockstar developer on the game's potential delay until May 2025, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick's comments on the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6, and expert analysis on whether the PS5 Pro can run GTA 6 at 60 frames per second.
