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 released 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 parent company of Rockstar Games.

Dark Space had created a free-to-download mod based on leaked coordinate data and official trailer shots from GTA 6, sharing gameplay footage on his YouTube channel. The mod gained significant attention in January, attracting eager GTA fans who were eager to explore a fan-made version of the upcoming game, set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S this fall.

However, last week, Dark Space received a copyright strike from YouTube after Take-Two issued a removal request. Multiple copyright strikes can lead to the termination of a YouTube channel, prompting Dark Space to take immediate action.

In response, Dark Space removed all download links to his mod, even though Take-Two had not yet requested this. He also posted a video on his channel criticizing 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 follow-up interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed a philosophical acceptance of the situation, noting that he had anticipated such a response based on Take-Two's history of takedowns. He believes the mod was targeted because it was closely based on an online community mapping project using leaked coordinates, potentially spoiling the surprise of GTA 6's map for players.

Dark Space acknowledged Take-Two's perspective, understanding that years of work on the game's world could be compromised by a mod that reveals key details prematurely. As a result, he has completely abandoned the project, 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 due to the risks involved.

There are now concerns that the GTA 6 community mapping project could be the next target for Take-Two. IGN has reached out to the group for comment.

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4 ImagesTake-Two has a history of taking down fan projects, including the recent takedown of the YouTube channel for 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, stating that the company is protecting its business interests. He noted that mods like the 'VC NextGen Edition' directly compete with official releases like the Definitive Edition, and projects like the Liberty City preservation could interfere with potential remasters.

Vermeij emphasized that companies are expected to protect their interests and suggested that the best hope for modders is that Take-Two allows projects that do not interfere with their business, such as the 'DCA3' project for GTA 3 on the Dreamcast.

While fans await the release of GTA 6, they can stay updated with IGN's coverage, including insights from a former Rockstar developer on potential delays, comments from Take-Two's CEO on the future of GTA Online, and expert opinions on the performance of GTA 6 on the PS5 Pro.