The modder behind a fan-made, playable recreation of the Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) map within Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) has halted all work on the project following a takedown notice from Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games. The modder, known as 'Dark Space,' had crafted this mod using leaked coordinate data and official trailer shots from GTA 6, making it freely available for download. His creation quickly gained attention in January as eager GTA fans sought to experience a glimpse of the forthcoming game, set to release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S this fall.
However, Dark Space's project came to an abrupt end last week when he received a copyright strike from YouTube, prompted by a removal request from Take-Two. Such strikes pose a significant risk to YouTube channels, which can be terminated upon receiving multiple violations. In response, Dark Space preemptively removed all download links to his mod, even though Take-Two had not yet demanded their removal. He also posted a video on his channel, criticizing Take-Two's actions and suggesting that the mod's high accuracy to the anticipated GTA 6 map might have triggered the takedown.
In a subsequent interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed a more resigned stance, noting that he had anticipated such action based on Take-Two's history of targeting fan projects. He explained that his mod was partly based on an online community mapping project for GTA 6, which utilizes leaked coordinate points to meticulously map out the game's virtual world. Dark Space speculated that his mod could have potentially spoiled the surprise of GTA 6's map for players, a concern he understood from Take-Two's perspective.
Consequently, Dark Space has ceased development on the mod entirely, acknowledging that Take-Two's stance leaves no room for continuation. He plans to focus on creating content that is less likely to attract legal challenges, indicating a shift away from modding GTA 5 with elements related to GTA 6.
There are now worries within the community that the GTA 6 mapping project might be Take-Two's next target. IGN has reached out to the group for their response on the matter.
GTA 6 Key Art's Hidden Map..?
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Take-Two has a track record of enforcing copyrights on fan projects, with the recent takedown of the YouTube channel behind the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' mod, which transferred elements from the 2002 game into the 2008 GTA 4 engine. A former Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, defended these actions, stating that both Take-Two and Rockstar are simply protecting their commercial interests. He explained that mods like the Vice City Nextgen Edition directly compete with official releases such as the Definitive Edition, and other mods could interfere with potential future remasters.
As fans await the release of GTA 6, they can explore IGN's coverage on related topics, including insights from an ex-Rockstar developer on potential release delays, statements from Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick regarding the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6, and expert analysis on whether the PS5 Pro will be capable of running GTA 6 at 60 frames per second.
