The modder known as Dark Space, who released a playable recreation of the Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) map within Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5), has been forced to halt all work on the project following a takedown notice from Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games. Dark Space had crafted this mod using leaked coordinate data and official trailer footage of GTA 6, making it available for free download and showcasing it on his YouTube channel. The mod attracted significant attention in January, drawing in eager GTA fans looking to explore a fan-made version of the anticipated GTA 6 map ahead of its official release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S this fall.
However, the project came to an abrupt end last week when Take-Two issued a copyright strike against Dark Space's YouTube videos, prompting him to remove all download links to his mod. Despite not being directly requested by Take-Two to take down the mod, Dark Space complied and voiced his frustration in a response video, hinting that the accuracy of his map recreation might have been the reason behind the takedown.
In a subsequent interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed a philosophical acceptance of the situation, noting that he anticipated such a reaction based on Take-Two's history of similar actions against fan projects. He suggested that his mod, built partially on an online community mapping project using leaked coordinates, might have spoiled the surprise element of GTA 6's map, a concern he acknowledged from Take-Two's perspective.
With the project now completely terminated, Dark Space has decided against further modding GTA 5 in relation to GTA 6, citing the risks involved. There is now apprehension within the GTA community that the mapping project Dark Space used might also be targeted next by Take-Two. IGN has reached out to the group for their response.
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Take-Two has a track record of shutting down fan projects, with the most recent example being the takedown of the YouTube channel behind the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition,' which aimed to update the 2002 game's world, cutscenes, and missions into the 2008 GTA 4 engine.
A former Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, defended Take-Two's actions, explaining that the company is simply protecting its business interests. Vermeij pointed out that mods like the 'VC NextGen Edition' compete directly with official releases such as the 'Definitive Edition,' and projects like the 'Liberty City preservation project' could interfere with potential future remasters. He emphasized that while it's understandable to feel frustrated, companies are expected to safeguard their business. Vermeij also noted that Take-Two has been relatively lenient with mods that do not pose a threat to their interests, 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 on various related topics, including insights from a former Rockstar developer on potential delays for GTA 6, statements from Take-Two's CEO Strauss Zelnick on the future of GTA Online, and expert analysis on the performance capabilities of the PS5 Pro with GTA 6.
