Take-Two CEO: Generative AI Boosts Efficiency for GTA 6 But Worlds Stay Handcrafted

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has outlined a balanced approach to generative AI in game development. He highlighted that these tools deliver significant cost and time savings, but emphasized that the company's iconic game worlds, including the highly anticipated GTA 6, remain handcrafted by human teams.

Speaking at the Paley International Council Summit, Zelnick described AI as a combination of large datasets and computational power in large language models (LLMs). He noted that datasets are inherently backward-looking, while true creativity pushes forward. AI's apparent innovation stems from predictive modeling, which excels with ample data but falters otherwise, likening it to 'metadata with a parlor trick' that will soon become commonplace, similar to search engines.

For Grand Theft Auto 6, set for release in 2025, Zelnick reaffirmed that Rockstar Games' open worlds are built manually. AI assists in backend processes but cannot replicate the originality needed for protectable intellectual property. He called AI 'derivative' and incapable of genuine creation, ensuring GTA 6's unique narrative and environments come from human genius.

This stance aligns with Zelnick's long-held views. In 2023, he stated genius belongs to humans and will stay that way. Recent investor calls echoed this, positioning video games at the forefront of AI adoption for efficiency without job losses.

Zelnick predicts AI will expand employment in gaming. He drew a historical parallel: in 1865, 65% of the US workforce was in agriculture; today, it's 2%, yet productivity soared to feed the world without farmer job laments. Similarly, AI tools will enhance output, allowing Take-Two to scale projects like NBA 2K globally and support Borderlands 4.

• Generative AI reduces development costs and timelines.
• Enables global expansion for sports titles like NBA 2K.
• Supports multiple projects without compromising quality.

Take-Two safeguards its IP amid rising AI lawsuits against firms like OpenAI and Google, though specifics remain undisclosed.

The gaming sector is poised to be on the 'leading, if not bleeding, edge' of AI use. Zelnick views current AI as digital tools, akin to longstanding software aids, that boost efficiency but not creativity. This differentiates Take-Two from peers chasing AI for revenue or content generation.

Machine learning, he clarified, doesn't involve true learningit's pattern prediction from data. For franchises like GTA, which generate massive revenue, protecting human-driven IP is paramount.

Beyond GTA 6, Zelnick discussed taking NBA 2K worldwide, leveraging AI for broader reach. Borderlands 4 development benefits from efficiencies, maintaining Gearbox's signature style. GTA Online's post-GTA 6 future also factors in, with AI potentially aiding ongoing support.

Zelnick's optimism stems from AI's role as a business accelerator, not a replacement. As gaming evolves, Take-Two prioritizes human creativity for blockbuster hits while using AI to streamline operations.