Take-Two CEO Shares Insights on AI Technology

Overview

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick criticizes the role of AI in video games, deeming it an “oxymoron.”
The company is committed to avoiding AI in upcoming video game releases to safeguard their intellectual property.
Zelnick expresses trust in talented developers, including Rockstar Games, to create exceptional games without AI reliance.

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has recently voiced his opinions on the incorporation of artificial intelligence in their upcoming games, notably the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. He controversially refers to AI’s role in gaming as an “oxymoron.”Zelnick emphasizes that while AI is increasingly permeating the gaming industry, Take-Two is taking steps to protect its future titles, including Grand Theft Auto 6, from reliance on this technology.

The growing discourse concerning the ethical implications of AI in various creative sectors has gained momentum in recent years. As automation enhances operational efficiency, many fans in the film, music, and gaming industries express concerns about AI’s potential consequences. The upcoming release of Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto installment has heightened scrutiny over the extent to which AI might influence the game’s development, particularly as Take-Two’s leadership takes a critical stance on the technology.

During a recent investor call, Zelnick articulated his viewpoint on AI. He stated, “Machine learning, machines don’t learn, ”echoing a prevalent sentiment in the ongoing debate surrounding AI’s capabilities. Both creators and fans argue that while machines can process data, they cannot generate true originality without human input. This skepticism has drawn attention to incidents such as the controversy surrounding the cat-themed game Catly, which faced allegations of AI usage—a claim the developers have denied. Zelnick underlines his commitment to ensuring that Take-Two introduces only traditional digital tools in game development. He expressed confidence that while AI may enhance efficiency, it should not reduce employment opportunities within the industry.

Take-Two’s Stance on AI in Gaming

Zelnick further highlighted the risks AI poses to intellectual property rights, declaring, “We’re not going to do that. If we did, we wouldn’t be able to protect our IP.”This concern stems from the fact that many AI models utilize existing works to train, raising significant issues regarding the ownership of creative content. Zelnick remains optimistic that the talented developers at Rockstar Games and other studios will deliver high-quality content without the need for AI integration.

As Take-Two maintains its involvement in a range of successful game franchises and future releases, Zelnick has teased upcoming details about Borderlands 4, hinting at an imminent release date. He also addressed the mixed feedback on Civilization 7, expressing confidence that loyal fans will continue to support the series. With expectations soaring for Grand Theft Auto 6, developed by Rockstar, the upcoming title is poised to be a landmark event in the gaming industry, projected to launch in 2025, although an exact date has yet to be confirmed.

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