Take-Two’s Strauss Zelnick Talks GTA 6 and the Role (or Lack Thereof) of AI

No Need to Panic! GTA 6 Release Date Still on Track

It’s that time again, folks! Here I am, wrapped up in my favorite gaming chair, tuning into the latest investor call featuring none other than Take-Two Interactive’s big boss, Strauss Zelnick. I always hold my breath, hoping for some juicy gossip about the much-anticipated GTA 6. But guess what? No need for the freakout alarms just yet! The release date remains solid at November 19. Huzzah!

The Buzz, the Marketing, and a Bit of AI Talk

Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s address the elephant in the room: does GTA 6 even need marketing? I mean, come on, two trailers and a website packed with character profiles and screenshots have already set the gaming world on fire. I can hardly picture a reality where it doesn’t beat the sales records of its predecessor, GTA 5. But don’t worry, Zelnick reassured us that there’s a proper marketing plan lined up, kicking off this summer.

He quipped, “Are we just going to sit back and relax as we head into the release of GTA 6? I think the opposite is true.” Talk about ambition! The man knows how to hype up the crowd. It seems Zelnick is aware that excitement is sky-high, and he’s determined to deliver some creatively stunning marketing before launch.

In a recent chat with Variety, Zelnick also decided to squash some rumors. There were whispers about a staggered release for physical copies of GTA 6 to prevent pesky leaks. You know how it goes: some clever fox gets their hands on a copy early and before you know it, there’s cell phone footage everywhere. Not cool, right? But Zelnick slammed down that rumor like a boss, stating: “That’s not the plan!” Proving once again that he means business.

And then there’s the hot topic of AI. With Google’s faddy Project Genie making waves, which allows users to whip up entire worlds with just a few prompts, it’s no surprise Zelnick was asked about Take-Two’s stance on generative AI. He did mention that they’re actively embracing it across various sectors of the company to drive efficiency and save costs. Sounds futuristic, right?

But don’t get your hopes up just yet — Zelnick was crystal clear that generative AI won’t be taking the wheel when it comes to GTA 6’s world-building. His words were as firm as a rock: “Generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building.” In his view, the charm of the game comes from handcrafted worlds, meticulously designed “building by building, street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood.” That’s what sets the game apart from the rest of the pack.

So, while Zelnick’s insights on marketing and his myths-busting skills put a little extra spring in my step, I can’t shake the desire for a gaming experience that’s pure, crafted, and thoughtfully made. Let’s hope he keeps his word – if there’s any evidence that AI has slipped into GTA 6, I shudder to think of the uproar that would spark. Here’s hoping for a stellar launch and a game that lives up to the hype!