Take-Two CEO Announces Hand-Created GTA VI World Without AI

In an interview with Gamesindustry.biz, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick detailed the company's approach to artificial intelligence (AI) in game development. He confirmed that the company is generally enthusiastic about AI and actively uses machine learning tools in the creation of many of its products. He believes that these technologies can significantly reduce costs and speed up production processes, but they alone cannot create a truly engaging game.

Zelnick paid special attention to the upcoming blockbuster Grand Theft Auto VI. He emphasized that AI technologies, particularly procedural generation, are not being used in the development of this project. He explained that Rockstar Games' unique and detailed worlds are assembled entirely by hand, building by building and street by street. This meticulous approach, according to the Take-Two CEO, is the key to creating great entertainment.

This statement comes amid the gaming community's cautious attitude toward the use of AI in the industry. Previously, the head of Larian Studios' admission that neural networks were being used for minor tasks sparked a backlash. Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to release on November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles, with a PC version to follow later.