"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 had crafted a playable version of the Grand Theft Auto 6 map within Grand Theft Auto 5, has ceased all work on his project following a takedown notice from Take-Two, the owners of Rockstar Games.

Dark Space's mod was a free-to-download creation built using leaked coordinate data and official trailer visuals from GTA 6. He shared gameplay footage on his YouTube channel, which garnered significant attention in January. Eager GTA fans, hungry for any glimpse of the upcoming game, eagerly downloaded and experienced his fan-made interpretation of the GTA 6 map ahead of its official release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S later this year.

However, last week, Dark Space received a copyright strike from YouTube after Take-Two initiated a removal request. The threat of multiple copyright strikes loomed over his channel, which could lead to its termination.

In response, Dark Space proactively removed all download links to his mod, even though Take-Two hadn't yet demanded it. He also posted a video on his channel, criticizing Take-Two's actions and hinting that the mod's detailed accuracy to GTA 6's map might have been the trigger for the takedown.

In a subsequent interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed a philosophical acceptance of the situation, acknowledging that he anticipated such a move based on Take-Two's history of similar actions. He speculated that his mod, built partially on an online GTA 6 community mapping project using leaked coordinates, might have spoiled the surprise of the game's map for players.

Understanding Take-Two's perspective, Dark Space noted, "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, Dark Space has entirely abandoned his GTA 6 mod project, recognizing Take-Two's clear stance against its existence. He plans to focus on creating content that his audience enjoys but will steer clear of further GTA 5 mods related to GTA 6, citing the risks involved.

Concerns now arise about the potential targeting of the GTA 6 community mapping project by Take-Two, prompting IGN to reach out for their response.

GTA 6 Key Art's Hidden Map..?

4 ImagesTake-Two has a track record of shutting down fan projects, with the most recent case being the takedown of the YouTube channel behind the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition,' which transferred the world, cutscenes, and missions from 2002's Vice City into the 2008 game, GTA 4.

A former Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, defended Take-Two's actions, stating that the company is simply protecting its commercial interests. Vermeij highlighted that mods like the 'VC NextGen Edition' compete directly with official releases such as the Definitive Edition, and others could interfere with potential remasters.

Vermeij suggested that fans should not be upset about these actions, as they align with what companies are expected to do. He expressed hope that Take-Two would continue to allow mods that do not conflict with their business interests, citing examples like 'DCA3' (GTA3 for Dreamcast).

While awaiting GTA 6's release, IGN offers insights from a former Rockstar developer on the possibility of delays until May 2025, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick's comments on the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6 launch, and expert analysis on whether the PS5 Pro can run GTA 6 at 60 frames per second.