GTA 6 Map Mod in GTA 5 Taken Down by Take-Two, Creator Says It Was 'Too Accurate'

The modder known as 'Dark Space,' who created a playable version of the Grand Theft Auto 6 map within Grand Theft Auto 5, has halted all work on the project following a copyright takedown from Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games. Dark Space had crafted a free-to-download mod using leaked coordinate data and official trailer shots from GTA 6, sharing gameplay footage on his YouTube channel. This mod became particularly popular in January, attracting attention from eager GTA fans awaiting the official release of GTA 6 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S this fall.

However, last week, Dark Space received a copyright strike notice from YouTube after Take-Two initiated a removal request. YouTube channels facing multiple strikes risk termination, prompting Dark Space to remove all download links to his mod preemptively, even without a direct request from Take-Two. In a response video on his channel, he criticized Take-Two, hinting that the accuracy of his mod to the anticipated GTA 6 map might have triggered the action.

In a subsequent interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed a more resigned perspective, noting that he anticipated such a response from Take-Two given their history of takedowns. He speculated that the mod's reliance on a community mapping project, which precisely maps out GTA 6 using leaked data, might have been a significant concern for Take-Two, potentially spoiling the surprise for players.

Dark Space acknowledged Take-Two's perspective, suggesting that if he were in their position, he might also want to protect the reveal of a meticulously crafted game world. Consequently, he has decided to abandon the project entirely, citing the clear message from Take-Two that they do not want it to exist. He plans to focus on creating other content that his audience might enjoy, steering clear of further GTA 5 mods related to GTA 6.

Concerns now arise over the fate of the GTA 6 community mapping project, with IGN reaching out for comment. Take-Two's history of targeting fan projects was highlighted by the recent takedown of the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' YouTube channel, which ported elements from the 2002 game into the 2008 GTA 4 engine.

A former Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, defended Take-Two's actions, emphasizing that the company is protecting its business interests. He noted that mods like the 'VC NextGen Edition' and the 'Liberty City preservation project' could compete with official releases or remasters, justifying Take-Two's actions as standard business practice.

As fans await the launch of GTA 6, IGN provides ongoing coverage, including insights from a former Rockstar developer on potential delays, statements from Take-Two's CEO regarding the future of GTA Online, and expert analysis on the performance capabilities of the PS5 Pro with GTA 6.

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