Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, the parent company behind Rockstar Games and some of the biggest franchises in gaming, has confirmed that generative AI will have no role to play in the development of Grand Theft Auto 6.
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Zelnick clarified that while the company has long made extensive use of AI across its operations, the technology has had “zero part” in what Rockstar Games has been building with the upcoming Grand Theft Auto title.
“On the topic of AI, I’ve been enthusiastic since the very beginning,” he said. “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.”
Despite Take-Two actively embracing AI to “drive efficiencies” and “reduce costs” throughout the company, Zelnick reassured fans that nothing in GTA 6 has been procedurally generated, claiming that this creative approach is what sets it apart from its competitors.
“Specifically with regards to GTA 6, Generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building,” he continued. “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.”
Needless to say, Zelnick’s comments come as a welcome reassurance to gamers throughout the world. At a time when generative AI is increasingly viewed with skepticism, especially when it comes to creativity and artistic integrity, the confirmation that Rockstar is sticking to its traditional development philosophy has allowed fans to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, barring any unforeseen delays.
