Take-Two confirms generative AI has "zero part" in Grand Theft Auto 6's development

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has reassured that Grand Theft Auto 6 is being built entirely without generative AI, despite the company's broader use of AI tools across its studios.

The details:

• In a statement to GamesIndustry.biz ahead of Take-Two's Q3 earnings call, Zelnick clarified that while the company is making "extensive use of AI and machine learning,” the controversial tools are not being used in the development of GTA 6. “Specifically with regards to GTA 6, generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building,” Zelnick said. “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."
• However, the CEO noted that the publisher is still a supporter of AI as a whole and that its products have “always been built with machine learning and artificial intelligence.” He also confirmed that generative AI is being implemented in some of its other studios and projects, though he added that the technology alone cannot create high-quality games.
• Take-Two’s share price declined temporarily following the release of Google's Project Genie prototype, which allows users to generate “playable worlds” using AI. This began to spook shareholders across the gaming industry, as users could customize game mechanics, visuals, and more with just images and a few lines of text, while most highlighted how limited the tool is overall.