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

The modder known as Dark Space, who had 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 copyright takedown from Take-Two, the owner of Rockstar Games.

Dark Space's mod was based on leaked coordinate data and official trailer shots of GTA 6, offering fans a free-to-download experience of the anticipated game's map. The mod and accompanying gameplay footage on his YouTube channel attracted significant attention in January, as eager fans sought a glimpse of what GTA 6 might offer upon its release 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 issued a removal request. Multiple such strikes can lead to a channel's termination, prompting Dark Space to proactively remove all download links to his mod. Despite not being directly asked by Take-Two to do so, he also posted a response video on his channel, criticizing the company and suggesting that the accuracy of his mod's depiction of GTA 6's map might have been the reason for the takedown.

In a subsequent interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed a more philosophical stance, noting that he anticipated such action based on Take-Two's history of takedowns. He acknowledged that his mod, which was partly based on an online community mapping project using leaked coordinate points, could have spoiled the surprise of GTA 6's map for players.

Consequently, Dark Space has decided to abandon 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." He plans to focus on creating other content that his audience might enjoy, steering clear of further GTA 5 mods related to GTA 6 due to the perceived risks.

Concerns are now rising within the GTA 6 community that the mapping project Dark Space referenced could be the next target for Take-Two's legal actions. IGN has reached out to the group for comment.

Take-Two has a track record of targeting fan projects, as seen with the recent takedown of the YouTube channel behind the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition,' 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, such as the Definitive Edition and potential future remasters.

While fans await the official release of GTA 6, they can stay updated with IGN's coverage on related topics, including insights from former Rockstar developers and expert opinions on the game's performance on upcoming hardware.

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