The chief executive of Take-Two Interactive Software has stated that generative artificial intelligence plays no role in the creation of the upcoming “Grand Theft Auto VI” from its Rockstar Games studio. Strauss Zelnick made the comments in an interview, clarifying the company’s broader use of AI tools.
Corporate AI Strategy and Creative Boundaries
In a discussion with the publication GamesIndustry.biz, Zelnick explained that Take-Two Interactive utilizes artificial intelligence extensively and has done so for a long time. He emphasized, however, that this deployment is focused on tool development rather than on the creative process itself. The CEO specifically addressed the work at Rockstar Games, the developer behind the highly anticipated next installment in the Grand Theft Auto series.
“Generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building,” Zelnick stated, directly referencing the development of “GTA 6.” This distinction separates tools that may assist in production pipelines from systems that generate creative content such as narrative, dialogue, or mission design autonomously.
Industry Context and the AI Debate
The video game industry has been actively exploring the potential applications of generative AI, which can create new text, audio, code, and images based on learned patterns. Several major publishers and developers have begun integrating these technologies into various aspects of game development, from writing non-player character barks to creating concept art and debugging code.
This trend has sparked significant debate concerning job displacement, creative integrity, and copyright issues related to training data. Zelnick’s remarks place Take-Two and Rockstar in a specific position within this ongoing conversation, suggesting a cautious or selective approach to the most advanced forms of AI for its flagship project.
Take-Two Interactive, as a parent company, holds a portfolio of studios and franchises including “NBA 2K,” “BioShock,” and “Civilization.” The company’s stance indicates a differentiated strategy where AI tools may be used across its business for efficiency, but not necessarily for core creative work on its most prominent titles.
Market Expectations and Project Status
Rockstar Games officially announced “Grand Theft Auto VI” in late 2023, confirming years of speculation. The first trailer revealed a return to the fictional state of Leonida, heavily inspired by Florida, and featured a female protagonist named Lucia. The announcement led to one of the most viewed video game trailers in history, underscoring the immense public anticipation for the title.
Analysts predict the game could set new records for entertainment launch sales. Given the cultural impact and commercial success of 2013’s “Grand Theft Auto V,” which has sold over 195 million units, the development philosophy and technological choices for its successor are closely scrutinized.
Zelnick’s comments provide a rare insight into the technical and philosophical approach Rockstar is taking during the final stages of production. The statement reinforces a perception of the studio prioritizing traditional, hands-on creative development for its narrative-driven open-world experiences.
Forward-Looking Implications
The explicit exclusion of generative AI from “GTA 6” development does not preclude its use in other Take-Two projects or in future support tools for live-service operations. The company is expected to continue investing in and utilizing various forms of automation and AI for tasks like quality assurance testing, localization, and player behavior analysis.
Rockstar Games has confirmed a release window of Fall 2025 for “Grand Theft Auto VI” on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. As development progresses toward that target, further official details on the game’s features, scope, and the specific technologies powering its creation are anticipated in the coming months.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
