The creator behind the Grand Theft Auto 6 fan-made map mod for GTA 5 has halted development after receiving a takedown notice from Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar Games' parent company.
Known as 'Dark Space,' the modder built a freely accessible recreation of GTA 6's world using leaked location data and scenes from official trailers, sharing gameplay clips on YouTube. The project gained widespread attention in January as eager GTA fans embraced this unofficial preview of what they'll officially experience when GTA 6 releases this fall for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Last week, Dark Space's YouTube channel faced a copyright strike following Take-Two's takedown request. Multiple strikes risk permanent channel termination.
In response, Dark Space proactively removed all mod download links—despite no direct order from Take-Two—and posted a video criticizing the company's actions, speculating the mod might have been "too accurate" in recreating GTA 6's layout.
Speaking to IGN, Dark Space remained pragmatic: "Given Take-Two's history with fan projects, I anticipated this outcome. I understood the risks when starting, so this doesn't surprise me."
The modder believes Take-Two targeted the project because it utilized an online community effort that meticulously mapped GTA 6's world using leaked coordinates, potentially spoiling surprises for players.
"That was likely the main concern, though most of my work derived from trailer footage," Dark Space noted.
"I recognize how previewing the map's scale and design could undermine Rockstar's years of world-building. From their perspective, removal makes sense."
The project is now completely discontinued—not just on YouTube but in its entirety. "They've made their position clear," Dark Space stated. "Continuing would be pointless when it directly conflicts with their policies."
"I'll focus on creating content audiences enjoy. Future GTA 5 modifications tied to GTA 6 seem too risky now."
Concerns now arise for the broader GTA 6 mapping community project, potentially facing similar actions. IGN has reached out to the group for statements.
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Take-Two routinely targets fan projects, recently shutting down the YouTube channel for 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition,' which adapted the 2002 classic into GTA 4's engine.
A former Rockstar developer defended these actions as standard business protection: "Commercial entities naturally safeguard their interests," tweeted Obbe Vermeij, ex-technical director at Rockstar Games.
"Mods like Vice City Nextgen compete with official re-releases. Similarly, projects recreating Liberty City could conflict with potential remasters—though I'm unaware of current plans."
"Companies must act this way. We can only hope they tolerate non-competing mods, which they've generally allowed recently."
While awaiting GTA 6's release, explore IGN's coverage on possible delays, GTA Online's future, and technical expectations for PS5 Pro performance.
