"GTA 6 Map Mod in GTA 5 Taken Down by Take-Two, Creator Admits Accuracy Might Have Spoiled Surprise"

The modder behind a fan-made recreation of the Grand Theft Auto 6 map within Grand Theft Auto 5, known as 'Dark Space,' has officially ceased all work on the project following a takedown notice from Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games. Dark Space had created a downloadable mod based on leaked coordinate data and official trailer footage of GTA 6, sharing gameplay videos on his YouTube channel. These efforts garnered significant attention in January, drawing in eager fans eager to preview what GTA 6 might offer upon its anticipated release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S this fall.

However, Dark Space's project hit a snag last week when he received a copyright strike from YouTube, prompted by a removal request from Take-Two. Aware that multiple strikes could lead to his channel's termination, Dark Space preemptively removed all download links to his mod, despite not yet being directly instructed to do so by Take-Two. He also took to his channel to voice his frustrations, suggesting that the accuracy of his mod's depiction of the GTA 6 map may have been the reason behind Take-Two's actions.

In a subsequent interview with IGN, Dark Space expressed a more philosophical stance, acknowledging that he had anticipated such a move from Take-Two given their history of takedowns. He noted that his project was largely based on an online community mapping effort using leaked coordinates, which could potentially spoil the surprise of GTA 6's map for players. "I think my map could have ruined the surprise of their map, which I get. 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," Dark Space explained.

As a result, Dark Space has completely abandoned the project, recognizing that Take-Two clearly does not want it to exist. He plans to focus on creating content that his audience enjoys but has decided against further modding GTA 5 in relation to GTA 6, citing the risks involved.

There are now concerns that the GTA 6 community mapping project might be the next target of Take-Two's legal actions. IGN has reached out to the group for their response.

GTA 6 Key Art's Hidden Map..?

Take-Two has a track record of taking down fan projects, with the most recent action being against the YouTube channel of the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition' modders, who had recreated the world, cutscenes, and missions from the 2002 game within the 2008 GTA 4 engine.

A former Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, defended Take-Two's actions, stating that the company is merely protecting its business interests. Vermeij pointed out that the 'VC NextGen Edition' mod competes directly with the 'Definitive Edition,' while the 'Liberty City preservation project' could interfere with potential future remasters. He emphasized that companies are expected to act in this manner and expressed hope that Take-Two would allow mods that do not conflict with their commercial objectives, such as the 'DCA3' project for GTA 3 on the Dreamcast.

As fans await the release of GTA 6, they can delve into IGN's coverage on various related topics, including insights from a former Rockstar developer on potential delays, comments from Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick about the future of GTA Online, and expert opinions on whether the PS5 Pro can run GTA 6 at 60 frames per second.