"Their worlds are handcrafted": GTA 6 parent company CEO says "generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building," even if he's "enthusiastic" about AI in game development

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick says that generative AI has no part in the development of GTA 6.

Speaking to GamesIndustry.Biz, Zelnick was asked about AI in game development following Google Genie's widespread effect on share prices across the industry, as shareholders – who definitely know how game development works – reckon you can generate entire video games now.

"On the topic of AI, I've been enthusiastic since the very beginning," says Zelnick, adding, "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."

But despite his positivity about AI, Zelnick explains, "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." And as for GTA, Zelnick assures that "Generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building."

He adds, "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 is using AI, but Zelnick seems to be adamant that it not be used for creativity, saying, "We use tools to do everything we do. We use digital technology to do everything we do. We always have, and we already are embracing AI as we always have. What I've said, and continue to say, is that tools don't replace creativity and tools are not projects, they're different things."

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