The modder known as 'Dark Space,' who had released a playable recreation of the Grand Theft Auto 6 map within Grand Theft Auto 5, has ceased all work on the project following a takedown notice from Take-Two, the owner of Rockstar Games.

Dark Space's mod was a free-to-download version of the GTA 5 map, crafted using leaked coordinate data and official trailer shots from GTA 6. He shared gameplay footage on his YouTube channel, which garnered significant attention from eager GTA fans in January, eager to get a taste of what GTA 6 might offer upon its release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S this fall.

However, last week, Dark Space received a copyright strike from YouTube after Take-Two issued a removal request. Multiple copyright strikes could lead to the termination of a YouTube channel, prompting Dark Space to remove all download links to his mod proactively, even though Take-Two had not yet demanded this. In a response video, he criticized Take-Two, 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 philosophical stance, noting that he anticipated such action based on Take-Two's history of takedowns. He acknowledged that his mod, which was partly based 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 its existence. 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 comment.

Take-Two has a track record of shutting down fan projects, including the recent takedown of the YouTube channel behind the 'GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition,' which ported elements from 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 project could interfere with potential remasters.

While awaiting the release of GTA 6, fans can stay updated with IGN's coverage on various related topics, including insights from former Rockstar developers and expert opinions on the game's performance on upcoming hardware.

GTA 6 Key Art's Hidden Map..?

4 Images