The modder wasn't surprised, but guessed the map he created "was probably a little too accurate."
A controversial Grand Theft Auto 5 mod based on leaked content from the highly anticipated GTA 6 has been removed due to a copyright strike from Rockstar owner Take-Two.
Modder 'Dark Space' had created a free-to-download GTA 5 map using leaked coordinate data and official trailer shots of GTA 6. He also uploaded gameplay footage of the mod to his YouTube channel.
In January, the mod gained widespread attention as GTA fans, eager for a glimpse of the upcoming game, explored this fan-made recreation ahead of GTA 6’s official launch.
However, Dark Space confirmed that he recently received a take down notice from YouTube.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Dark Space noted that he "expected something like this would happen" but was surprised that Take-Two "didn’t bother emailing" him. He claimed that if they had asked, he would have taken the mod down voluntarily.
Take Two accused of not treating modders well
Reflecting on the takedown in a separate YouTube video, he suggested, "My guess is that the map was probably a little too accurate. They must feel some sort of threat from it existing because they feel that having a playable version of the map to drive around in could ruin the surprise and newness of GTA 6 when it releases."
He also criticised Take-Two’s handling of modders, stating, "When will these companies learn to stop attacking their own feet? It’s thanks to the community of players and modders that these companies can stand.”
He claimed that the company has a history of hiring private investigators and taking legal action against them, rather than supporting their work. He pointed to past instances where Take-Two had sent private investigators to modders' homes, filed lawsuits, and banned creators from making GTA-related content.
As an example, he cited the original GTA Trilogy on PC, where mods were essential for fixing game-breaking bugs and making the titles playable. He argued that instead of appreciating these contributions, Take-Two cracked down on modders instead of acknowledging their efforts.
Dark Space was most likely referring to the lawsuit filed in 2021 by Take-Two Interactive against Grand Theft Auto modders for the reverse-engineered ports of Grand Theft Auto 3 and GTA: Vice City. After the modders filed a counterclaim, the projects were reinstated. The lawsuit continued until 2023, until Take-Two dismissed the claim in 2023.
Take-Two has a history of clashing with the GTA modding community. Most recently, it shut down the Liberty City Preservation Project, an ambitious mod that aimed to bring GTA 4’s map into GTA 5.
However, in 2023, the company took a different approach by hiring Cfx.re, the team behind the popular GTA 5 FiveM and RDR2 RedM mods. The group, which had previously faced legal action from Rockstar, is now working on an official "conversion tool" to bring GTA 5 mods into the PC version of GTA 5 Enhanced.
As for GTA 6, Take-Two confirmed that it’s still on track for its announced Fall 2025 release window, despite ongoing reports of potential delays. On top of that, it was reported that Rockstar met with Roblox and Fortnite creators for custom GTA 6 content. A PC version of the upcoming game has been teased for 2026.
