The modder known as 'Dark Space,' who created a playable recreation of the Grand Theft Auto 6 map within Grand Theft Auto 5, has abruptly ended the project following a takedown notice from Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two. Dark Space's mod, which was freely available for download, utilized leaked coordinate data and official trailer visuals from GTA 6. The mod gained significant attention in January, attracting eager GTA fans eager to explore a fan-made version of the upcoming game's world ahead of its official release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S this fall.
The situation escalated last week when Dark Space received a copyright strike notification from YouTube, prompted by a removal request from Take-Two. Multiple copyright strikes could lead to the termination of a YouTube channel, a risk that Dark Space was unwilling to take. In response, he proactively removed all download links to his mod, even though Take-Two had not yet demanded this action. He also posted a video on his channel, criticizing Take-Two and hinting that the accuracy of his mod's depiction of the GTA 6 map might have been the reason for the takedown.
In a subsequent interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed a more resigned perspective, noting that he anticipated such a response from Take-Two based on their history of similar actions. He suggested that his mod, which was partly based on an online community mapping project using leaked coordinates, might have spoiled the surprise of GTA 6's map for players. "If you spent years building out this amazing game world just to have some YouTuber spoil the experience of the map's shape, size, and vibe... I'd want it removed too," he remarked.
As a result, Dark Space has completely ceased work on his GTA 6 mod project, acknowledging that Take-Two clearly does not want it to exist. He plans to focus on creating other content that his audience enjoys, steering clear of further GTA 5 mods related to GTA 6 due to the perceived risks involved.
There are now concerns that the GTA 6 community mapping project could be the next target for Take-Two's legal actions. IGN has reached out to the group for their response.
GTA 6 Key Art's Hidden Map..?
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Take-Two has a track record of shutting down fan projects, as seen with the recent takedown of the YouTube channel behind the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition,' which attempted to port the world, cutscenes, and missions from the 2002 game into the 2008 GTA 4 engine.
A former Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, defended Take-Two's actions, stating that the company is simply protecting its business interests. He pointed out that mods like the 'VC NextGen Edition' directly compete with official releases like the Definitive Edition, and projects like the Liberty City preservation project could interfere with potential future remasters. Vermeij emphasized that while it's understandable to be frustrated, companies are expected to protect their commercial interests. He noted that Take-Two has been relatively lenient with mods that do not pose a threat to their business, such as the 'DCA3' project for GTA 3 on the Dreamcast.
As fans await the release of GTA 6, they can stay updated with IGN's coverage, including insights from a former Rockstar developer on potential delays, comments from Take-Two's CEO Strauss Zelnick about the future of GTA Online, and expert analysis on whether the PS5 Pro can run GTA 6 at 60 frames per second.
