The modder behind a fan-made recreation of the Grand Theft Auto 6 map within Grand Theft Auto 5, known as 'Dark Space,' has halted all work on the project following a takedown notice from Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games.
Dark Space had crafted a free-to-download mod using leaked coordinate data and official trailer footage from GTA 6, sharing gameplay videos on YouTube. These videos garnered significant attention in January, as eager fans sought to explore a fan-crafted 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, prompted by a removal request from Take-Two. Multiple such strikes could lead to the termination of his channel. In response, Dark Space preemptively removed all download links to his mod, despite not being directly asked to do so by Take-Two. 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 subsequent interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed a more resigned perspective, noting that he anticipated such a response from Take-Two based on their history of targeting fan projects. He acknowledged that his mod, built partly on an online community mapping project using leaked coordinates, might have spoiled the surprise of GTA 6's map for players.
Dark Space concluded that continuing the project was futile given Take-Two's clear stance against it. He plans to focus on creating other content that his audience might enjoy, steering clear of further GTA 5 mods related to GTA 6 due to the potential 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 their response.
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Take-Two has a track record of shutting down fan projects, including the recent takedown of the YouTube channel for the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' mod, which updated 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 pointed out that mods like the 'VC NextGen Edition' compete directly with official releases like the Definitive Edition, and projects like the Liberty City preservation could impact potential remasters.
Vermeij emphasized that while it's understandable for fans to be upset, companies are expected to protect their commercial interests. He noted that Take-Two has been relatively lenient with mods that do not interfere with their business, 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, including insights from a former Rockstar developer on potential delays, comments from Take-Two's CEO on the future of GTA Online, and expert analysis on the performance capabilities of the PS5 Pro for GTA 6.
