Summary
Take-Two InteractiveCEO Strauss Zelnick recently shared his thoughts regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the company’s video games, which includes Rockstar’sGrand Theft Auto 6, labeling it an “oxymoron.” The executive claims that while the controversial technology is being increasingly used across the industry, measures have been taken to protect upcoming games likeGrand Theft Auto 6, which falls underTake-Two Interactive’s umbrella.
The last few years have seen a sharp uptick in the debate regarding the ethics of AI and its use in both art and the workforce. While automation plays a key role in the efficiency of any business, fans of film, music, and video games have grown increasingly concerned about the effects AI will have going forward, prompting some developers and artists to speak out. With the release of Rockstar’s highly anticipated continuation of itsGrand Theft Autoseries on the horizon, speculation has grown regarding how much, if any, AI would be used to create the game, though parent company Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick seems critical of the technology.
As reported byGamesIndustry.biz, during a recent investor call, Zelnick asked about his thoughts on AI, to which the CEO said, “Machine learning, machines don’t learn.” This brief statement gets to the heart of the AI debate for many, as both fans and creators have argued that computers lack the capability to create something original without input from a human. Players seem to have a sharp eye out for this kind of stuff now, with the open-world cat-based gameCatlybeing embroiled in controversyfor allegedly using AI, which developers have denied. This is something Zelnick seems keen on avoiding when it comes to Take-Two’s slate. “The bottom line is that these are digital tools, and we’ve used digital tools forever,” Zelnick continued. “I do not doubt that what is considered AI today will help make our business more efficient and help us do better work, but it won’t reduce employment.”
Take-Two CEO Comments on AI Use in Video Games
Zelnick went on to discuss the threat AI poses to intellectual property, saying, “We’re not going to do that. If we did, we wouldn’t be able to protect our IP. So, of course, we’re mindful of what technology we use to ensure that it respects others' intellectual property and allows us to protect our own.” Stolen IP poses a major problem with the use of AI, as the “machine learning” Zelnick spoke of often uses work from other people to train on, thus resulting in what is essentially stolen work. When used correctly, AI has the potential to make jobs more efficient, and it seems like Take-Two is confident developers likeGrand Theft Auto-creator Rockstar Gameswill deliver, as will others.
Take-Two is a company that has its hands in a multitude of high-profile games and upcoming releases. Zelnick recently commented onBorderlands 4, teasing that the game’s official release date is coming soon. Zelnick also recently weighed in onCivilization 7’s rather lackluster reviews, remaining confident longtime fans will stick with it. As mentioned earlier,Take-Two Interactive’s most anticipated upcoming game isGrand Theft Auto 6. Developed once again by the team at Rockstar Games,Grand Theft Auto 6is set to be one of the biggest moments in video game history and has already generated an incredible amount of buzz. An exact release date is not yet confirmed, though reports still claimGrand Theft Auto 6will release in 2025.
