GTA 6 makes no use of Generative AI – Take-Two CEO confirms

Take-Two says that GTA 6 is handcrafted and doesn’t use Generative AI

In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has not used generative AI at any point in its development. “Their worlds are handcrafted”, the CEO said regarding Rockstar Games. However, the CEO confirmed that Take-Two “always has” used AI, but not to replace creative effort. AI is part of their tools, not part of their creative process.

Take-Two Interactive currently has “hundreds of pilots and implementations” of AI across its company. Zelnick has claimed that AI tools are already “driving costs and time efficiencies”. Note that Take-Two are using Generative AI tools; they are not using generative AI content.

This company’s products have always been built with machine learning and artificial intelligence. We’ve actually always been a leader in the space, and right now we have hundreds of pilots and implementations across our company, including within our studios. And we’re already seeing instances where generative AI tools are driving costs and time efficiencies.

– Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick

Generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building

With regards to AI game generation, Take-Two’s CEO believes that there is “no evidence” that AI-generated games will be successful. This follows Google’s unveiling of its experimental AI “playable world” tool, Project Genie. Simply put, AI-generated content cannot compare with handcrafted content. A game world built with intent will always be better than an AI-generated world that merely looks like an impressive game world. Without strong gameplay and artistic intent, AI-generated games are just slop.

GTA 6 was “built from the ground up.” “Generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building”, Zelnick confirmed. “That’s what makes great entertainment”.

That said, do I think tools by themselves create great entertainment properties? No, there’s no evidence that that’s the case and it won’t be the case in the future. Specifically with regards to GTA 6, Generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building. Their worlds are handcrafted. That’s what differentiates them. They’re built from the ground up, building by building, street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood. They’re not procedurally generated, they shouldn’t be. That’s what makes great entertainment.

– Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick

So far, we have seen very little of GTA 6. Grand Theft Auto IV is due to be released this year, and so far, the game has only two trailers (1, 2). Note that no raw gameplay videos have been released. That means that nobody outside of Rockstar knows what the game looks like in motion. Furthermore, it is unknown if GTA 6 online will be available as part of the game on day-1.

After several delays, GTA IV currently has a November 19th release date. However, it is possible that the game could be delayed again.

You can join the discussion on GTA VI not using generative AI in its development on the OC3D Forums.

Mark Campbell

Mark Campbell

A Northern Irish father, husband, and techie that works to turn tea and coffee into articles when he isn’t painting his extensive minis collection or using things to make other things.

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