Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has confirmed that generative artificial intelligence (AI) played “zero part” in the development of the highly anticipated . The assertion, made by Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, signals a deliberate design choice prioritizing handcrafted world-building over procedurally generated content, even as the company explores AI applications in other areas of its business.
Zelnick’s comments, delivered in interviews with GamesIndustry.biz and reported on , represent a strong stance against the increasing use of generative AI in game development. While acknowledging the potential for AI to improve efficiency and reduce costs within the industry, Zelnick emphasized that the core creative process behind Grand Theft Auto VI remains firmly rooted in human artistry.
“Specifically with regards to GTA 6, Generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building,” Zelnick stated. “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.”
This decision is particularly noteworthy given the current industry debate surrounding the role of AI in game development. Some developers are exploring generative AI tools to accelerate content creation, particularly for large open-world environments. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for AI-generated content to lack originality and diminish the artistic vision of game developers. Take-Two, it appears, is siding with the latter perspective, at least when it comes to its flagship franchise.
Zelnick clarified that Take-Two is not entirely opposed to AI. The company is actively experimenting with artificial intelligence and machine learning in various areas, with “hundreds of pilots and implementations” already underway across its studios. These applications focus on improving internal processes and driving efficiencies, rather than directly influencing the creative output of games like Grand Theft Auto VI. The company has been using AI and machine learning for years, primarily as tools to enhance existing workflows.
The CEO explained that generative AI models, being fundamentally data-driven, struggle to produce truly original work. He believes that exceptional entertainment stems from deliberate creative choices made by people, not simply from algorithms processing existing data. This philosophy underscores Rockstar Games’ commitment to meticulously crafting the world of Grand Theft Auto VI, element by element.
The emphasis on handcrafted environments is a key differentiator for Rockstar Games. The studio has built a reputation for creating incredibly detailed and immersive game worlds, and Zelnick suggests that this level of quality would be compromised by relying on procedural generation. The deliberate, hands-on approach to world-building is central to the distinctive quality of their games.
The confirmation regarding AI’s absence in Grand Theft Auto VI comes alongside other recent updates about the game’s development and release. Take-Two has also confirmed that a physical version of the game will be available at launch, and that marketing efforts will begin this summer. This suggests the game remains on track for a potential release date, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Take-Two’s decision to forgo generative AI in Grand Theft Auto VI is a significant statement about the value of human creativity in game development. It suggests that, for some developers, the pursuit of artistic excellence outweighs the potential benefits of AI-powered automation. The company’s approach highlights a belief that the unique and immersive experiences offered by games like Grand Theft Auto are best achieved through the deliberate and painstaking work of skilled developers.
