The modder known as Dark Space, who created a playable recreation 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 owner of Rockstar Games. The mod, which was free to download, was based on leaked coordinate data and official trailer shots of GTA 6. Dark Space shared gameplay footage on his YouTube channel, attracting significant attention from eager GTA fans in January.
However, last week, Dark Space received a copyright strike from YouTube after Take-Two issued a removal request. To avoid potential termination of his channel, Dark Space preemptively removed all download links to his mod and addressed the situation in a response video, suggesting that the accuracy of his map recreation may have prompted Take-Two's action.
In an interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed that he anticipated such a response from Take-Two, given their history of takedowns. He acknowledged that his mod, built partly on an online community mapping project using leaked coordinates, might have spoiled the surprise of GTA 6's map for players. Understanding Take-Two's perspective, Dark Space decided to end the project entirely, stating, "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."
Moving forward, Dark Space plans to focus on creating content that his audience enjoys, steering clear of further GTA 5 mods related to GTA 6, citing the risks involved. There are also concerns that the GTA 6 community mapping project might be targeted next by Take-Two.
Take-Two has a track record of shutting down fan projects, as seen with the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' YouTube channel, which aimed to port Vice City into the GTA 4 engine. A former Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, defended these actions, emphasizing that Take-Two and Rockstar are protecting their business interests. Vermeij pointed out that mods like the Vice City Nextgen Edition compete directly with official releases, such as the Definitive Edition, and could impact potential future remasters.
As fans await the release of GTA 6, IGN continues to provide coverage on related developments, including insights from former Rockstar developers on potential delays, the future of GTA Online, and technical speculations about the game's performance on the PS5 Pro.
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