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.
Dark Space's mod was based on leaked coordinate data and official trailer shots of GTA 6, offering fans a free-to-download experience that garnered significant attention in January. The modder shared gameplay footage on his YouTube channel, attracting a large audience eager for any glimpse of the upcoming game.
However, last week, Dark Space received a copyright strike from YouTube after Take-Two issued a removal request. Faced with the potential termination of his channel due to multiple strikes, Dark Space preemptively removed all download links to his mod and posted a response video on YouTube. In the video, he criticized Take-Two's actions, suggesting that the accuracy of his mod's depiction of the GTA 6 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 a response from Take-Two based on their history of takedowns. He acknowledged that his mod, which was partly based 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 remarked, "If you spent years building out this amazing game world just to have some YouTuber spoil the experience of the map's shape, size, and vibe... I'd want it removed too." Consequently, he has decided to abandon the project entirely, stating, "There’s no point putting more time into something that goes directly against what they’re willing to allow."
Dark Space plans to continue creating content that his audience enjoys but will steer clear of modding GTA 5 in relation to GTA 6, citing the risks involved. There are now concerns that the GTA 6 community mapping project could be the next target for Take-Two's legal actions.
Take-Two has a track record of shutting down fan projects, including the recent takedown of 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 commercial interests. Vermeij noted that while it's understandable for fans to be upset, companies are expected to protect their business, and the best hope is for them to allow mods that do not interfere with their interests.
As the gaming community awaits the release of GTA 6, IGN continues to provide comprehensive coverage, including insights from former Rockstar developers on potential delays, the future of GTA Online, and the capabilities of the PS5 Pro in running GTA 6.
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