A recent mod that aimed to recreate the rumored map of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) within Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) has faced legal challenges after Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar, issued a copyright complaint. This mod, crafted by YouTuber Dark Space, built upon the community-driven Mapping Vice City project, which attempted to compile details about the new game’s map using official media and leaked information.
Dark Space began sharing updates about his project on social media in January, and a version of his mod was recently released. However, it appears that Take-Two’s legal team quickly intervened, leading to the removal of his YouTube video and the mod download link. Dark Space expressed his frustration, stating he pursued this project purely out of passion, not for profit.
He speculated that the removal was prompted by how closely his mod resembled the anticipated GTA 6 map. In an interview with IGN, he acknowledged that he expected this reaction, considering Take-Two’s history of taking down mods. He recognized that revealing too much of the map could spoil the game’s official release.
Take-Two has a long history of clashing with modders. Recently, they shut down the Liberty City Preservation Project, which aimed to bring a playable version of GTA 4’s map to GTA 5. However, in 2023, they shifted gears by teaming up with Cfx.re, the developers behind popular mods like FiveM for GTA 5. This collaboration aims to create a tool that would allow for specific mods to be officially integrated into the game.
Looking ahead, expectations for GTA 6 remain high, with an anticipated release window in autumn 2025. Despite discussions of delays, some reports suggest that a PC version may not be available until early next year.
This conflict highlights a growing tension within the gaming community regarding user-generated content versus intellectual property rights. Many gamers express frustration over strict copyright enforcement, feeling it stifles creativity and community engagement. As mods play a crucial role in enhancing the gaming experience, finding a balance between protection and innovation continues to be a significant topic.
For more details on Take-Two’s copyright policies and their impact on the gaming community, you can refer to this IGN article.