The modder known as Dark Space, who created a free playable map for GTA 5 based on leaked coordinates and footage from the GTA 6 trailer, halted development after receiving a request from Rockstar's parent company.

Dark Space published his mod featuring an approximate version of the GTA 6 map, recorded gameplay footage, and uploaded it to his YouTube channel. In January 2025, the video went viral among series fans. However, two months later, the video had to be removed due to a DMCA takedown request from Take-Two through YouTube. Additionally, the modder voluntarily removed all other download links for the mod, despite not receiving a direct request from the company.

Dark Space suggests his mod was "too accurate" and could have spoiled the surprise for players:

If you spend years building this massive game world, only for some YouTuber to reveal its scale and atmosphere... I'd want it taken down too.

Following this incident, Dark Space will no longer work on mods related to GTA 6, as it now seems too risky.

That said, there's no guarantee the created map actually matched what will be in GTA 6. This is far from the first time various fan mods have been removed at the publisher's request. There's one simple reason for this: Take-Two/Rockstar are commercial companies that are simply protecting their assets and business interests.

Main image: wall.alphacoders.com

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