The modder known as Dark Space, who created a playable version of the Grand Theft Auto 6 map within Grand Theft Auto 5, has ceased all work on the project following a takedown notice from Take-Two, the owners of Rockstar Games. Dark Space's mod, which was freely downloadable and based on leaked coordinate data and official trailer shots of GTA 6, gained significant attention in January. Eager fans, hungry for any glimpse of the upcoming game, flocked to experience this fan-made approximation of what they might expect when GTA 6 officially launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S later this year.
However, last week, Dark Space received a copyright strike on YouTube after Take-Two issued a removal request. Multiple strikes could lead to the termination of his channel, prompting Dark Space to remove all download links to his mod preemptively. In a response video on his channel, he criticized Take-Two's actions, suggesting that the accuracy of his map recreation might have been too close to the real thing for comfort.
In a subsequent interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed a more resigned perspective, noting that he had anticipated such a response given Take-Two's history of takedowns. He believes the company targeted his mod due to its basis on a community mapping project that precisely maps out GTA 6's world using leaked coordinates. Dark Space acknowledged that his mod might have spoiled the surprise of GTA 6's map, a concern he understands from a developer's standpoint.
With the project now completely abandoned, Dark Space stated, "Well they clearly do not want this project to exist... There’s no point putting more time into something that goes directly against what they’re willing to allow." He plans to focus on creating content that his audience enjoys but will steer clear of further GTA 5 mods related to GTA 6 due to the perceived risks.
There are now speculations that the GTA 6 community mapping project could be the next target for Take-Two. IGN has reached out to the group for their comments on the matter.
GTA 6 Key Art's Hidden Map..?
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Take-Two's actions are not unprecedented, as they have a history of targeting fan projects. Recently, they took down the YouTube channel of the creators behind the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition,' which remade the 2002 game within the 2008 GTA 4 engine. A former Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, defended these actions, stating that both Take-Two and Rockstar are protecting their commercial interests. He pointed out that mods like the VC NextGen Edition directly compete with official releases such as the Definitive Edition, and other projects could interfere with potential future remasters.
While fans await the release of GTA 6, they can stay updated with IGN's coverage, including insights from an ex-Rockstar developer about potential delays until May 2025, comments from Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick regarding the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6 launch, and expert analysis on whether the PS5 Pro can run GTA 6 at 60 frames per second.
