Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick appeared at Semafor's World Economy 2026 forum weeks after laying off the company's head of AI, Luke Dicken, to clarify that Take-Two is not retreating from AI — but GTA 6's creative core remains untouchable by generative AI tools.
Part 1
Speaking at Semafor's World Economy 2026 event, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed the growing debate around AI in game development — weeks after Take-Two reportedly cut its head of AI, Luke Dicken, along with several other employees tied to the company's artificial intelligence initiatives.
Part 2
The layoffs had raised questions about whether Take-Two was backing away from AI entirely. Zelnick clarified the company's position: Take-Two is not abandoning AI, but it is drawing a firm line around GTA 6's creative core.
Part 3
"Generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building," Zelnick said, emphasizing that Rockstar's recreation of Vice City is being crafted "building by building, street by street" — entirely by human developers.