A passionate modder’s dream project has taken a turn for the worse after Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, issued a copyright claim against the creator’s YouTube channel. The modder, known as Dark Space, had been working tirelessly to bring a playable version of GTA 6’s map to life within the world of GTA 5. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for Take-Two to intervene.
Dark Space Speaks Out About the Takedown
Dark Space, clearly disappointed by the takedown, explained his frustration in a new video. “I spent months building a fan-made GTA 6-inspired map inside GTA 5 – something purely made out of passion, not profit,” he shared with his audience. “But shortly after uploading a video showcasing the project, Take-Two Interactive took it down. No warning. No conversation. Just gone.”
He further elaborated on his decision to remove the download link, stating, “I’ve also removed the download link even though they didn’t ask me to. But I think it’s smarter to get out in front of them rather than waiting for their email that will never come… So why did they remove my video? Well, my guess is that the map is probably a little too accurate.”
Why Take-Two’s Action Doesn’t Surprise Dark Space
In an interview with IGN, Dark Space admitted that he had expected Take-Two’s response, given the company’s history with modders. “I went into this project knowing it was a possibility,” he explained. “And the fact that it happened does not surprise me.”
He also reflected on the potential impact his map could have had on GTA 6’s surprise factor, acknowledging that Take-Two might have seen his work as a spoiler. “I think my map could have ruined the surprise of their map, which I get,” Dark Space explained. “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.”
A Long-Standing Clash Between Take-Two and the Modding Community
This latest incident is just one of many examples of Take-Two’s long-standing conflict with the modding community. Take-Two has previously shut down other fan projects, including the Liberty City Preservation Project, which aimed to bring a playable version of GTA 4’s map to GTA 5. However, the company has shown signs of becoming more flexible with modding in recent years.
In 2023, Take-Two hired the team behind the popular GTA 5 FiveM and Red Dead Redemption 2 RedM mods, Cfx.re. This collaboration is intended to develop an official “conversion tool” that will allow modders to bring their creations into the recently released PC version of GTA 5 Enhanced. While this might suggest a shift in Take-Two’s approach to modding, the company’s hardline stance on other projects, such as Dark Space’s mod, remains clear.
What’s Next for GTA 6?
While Dark Space’s map mod has been halted, GTA fans are still eagerly awaiting more information about the official release of GTA 6. Despite ongoing rumors of delays, Take-Two has reaffirmed that the game is on track for an autumn 2025 release window. However, a third-party accessories company recently claimed that the PC version of GTA 6 may not arrive until early 2026, adding fuel to the fire of speculation about the game’s timeline.
As the wait for GTA 6 continues, fans are left wondering whether modders will have any impact on the game’s development or if Take-Two’s stringent copyright enforcement will continue to shut down fan creations.
The Future of Modding in the GTA Universe
The controversy surrounding Dark Space’s GTA 6 mod underscores the delicate balance between creative fan projects and copyright enforcement. While modding has long been a key part of the GTA series’ community, it’s clear that Take-Two is committed to protecting its intellectual property and preventing unauthorized leaks.
For now, Dark Space’s project has been shelved, but the GTA modding community will likely continue to push boundaries in the years to come. Whether this leads to more takedowns or a more lenient approach from Take-Two remains to be seen, but for fans, the excitement surrounding GTA 6 continues to build, even if they have to wait a little longer to see it for themselves.
