GTA 6 Developer Confirms Rockstar’s Handcrafted Open World: ‘AI Cannot Create Exceptional Entertainment’

Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, recently discussed the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the company’s diverse game development studios, notably including Rockstar Games, which is currently working on the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6).

As the use of AI in the video game industry continues to expand, opinions on its implications vary widely. While some developers grapple with the rapid changes, others are embracing these technological advancements with open arms. A recent example is the latest installment of Call of Duty, which notably incorporates AI-generated player rewards.

In a significant development, Google is set to launch Project Genie on January 29, 2026, a tool that allows users to create immersive 3D environments from textual descriptions and images. Despite the exciting potential, this announcement negatively affected the stock values of many game developers, with Take-Two experiencing a notable decline of 12%.

Exploring the Future of AI in Game Development

Despite current market challenges, Zelnick has expressed positivity regarding the role of AI in the future of gaming. In an interview with The Game Business, he emphasized, “This company was built on the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence… All video games are created almost entirely on computers, and we embrace technology.”

While the specifics of AI application across Take-Two’s various studios remain somewhat ambiguous, Zelnick indicated that there are currently “hundreds of AI pilots and implementations” throughout the organization. He conveyed enthusiasm regarding the potential benefits this innovative technology may bring, stating, “We’re really enthusiastic about what this new technology can mean.”

Take-Two is actively experimenting with various AI tools across its game development teams.

While addressing the integration of AI, Zelnick affirmed his optimistic stance, noting that “innovation is one of our core tenets.” He stressed that AI is enhancing efficiencies and could spark new levels of creativity, allowing teams to achieve more ambitious designs and experiences.

In a noteworthy contrast, Microsoft underwent substantial layoffs, cutting 9, 000 positions in July 2025 as part of its shift toward an “AI transformation.” Nonetheless, Zelnick remains “more optimistic than ever” about AI’s future in gaming, viewing the launch of Google’s Project Genie as a promising indication of upcoming advancements.

Generative AI’s Exclusion from GTA 6 Development

However, in a clear stance, Zelnick dismissed the idea of incorporating generative AI within the development of GTA 6.“That said, do I think tools by themselves create great entertainment properties? No, there’s no evidence that’s the case, and it won’t be the case in the future, ” he stated in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz.

GTA 6 will not feature content created by generative AI tools.

“Their worlds are handcrafted, ” Zelnick elaborated.“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, and they shouldn’t be.”

Ultimately, while Take-Two continues to explore the capabilities of AI across its portfolio, it’s affirmed that GTA 6 will focus on bespoke, meticulously crafted environments rather than content derived from generative AI.

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