The modder known as 'Dark Space' has ceased all work on his project after receiving a takedown notice from Take-Two, the owner of Rockstar Games. Dark Space had created a free-to-download mod for Grand Theft Auto 5 that recreated the map of the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6, using leaked coordinate data and official trailer footage. His project garnered significant attention in January, as eager GTA fans sought to experience a fan-made version of what they might encounter when GTA 6 officially launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S this fall.
The situation escalated when Dark Space received a copyright strike on YouTube following a removal request from Take-Two. Faced with the threat of channel termination due to multiple copyright strikes, Dark Space preemptively removed all download links to his mod and posted a response video on his channel. In the video, he criticized Take-Two's actions, suggesting the mod's accuracy to the actual GTA 6 map might have been too close for comfort for the company.
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 speculated that his mod's basis on a community mapping project, which meticulously mapped out GTA 6 using leaked coordinates, might have spoiled the surprise for players. Dark Space acknowledged the validity of Take-Two's concerns, stating that if he were in their position, he too would want to protect the surprise element of their meticulously crafted game world.
Consequently, Dark Space has completely abandoned his GTA 6 mod project, recognizing that continuing to work against Take-Two's wishes would be futile. He plans to focus on creating other content that his audience enjoys, steering clear of any further GTA 5 mods related to GTA 6 due to the perceived risks.
There is now apprehension within the community that the GTA 6 community mapping project could be the next target for Take-Two's legal actions. IGN has reached out to the group for their perspective on the matter.
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Take-Two's history of targeting fan projects extends beyond Dark Space's mod, as evidenced by their recent action against the YouTube channel of the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' creators, which ported elements from the 2002 game into the 2008 GTA 4 engine. A former Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, defended Take-Two's and Rockstar's actions, explaining that the company is protecting its business interests by taking down mods that could compete with their official releases, such as the Definitive Edition or a potential GTA 4 remaster.
While fans await the release of GTA 6, they can explore IGN's coverage on various related topics, including insights from a former Rockstar developer on the possibility of GTA 6 delays, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick's comments on the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6, and expert opinions on whether the PS5 Pro can run GTA 6 at 60 frames per second.
