Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has shared his thoughts on AI and the role it plays in the development of games like GTA 6, emphasizing that the “creative genius” behind the company’s upcoming titles is human. He also stated that developers should be paid if their work is later replicated by AI.
In an interview with CNBC, Zelnick was asked about the use of AI in the GTA 6 trailer. He confirmed that AI tools have been used from the beginning of development, but he made it clear that the creative vision for the game remains human. “The tools may be digital, but the creative genius is human,” Zelnick said.
He further explained that Take-Two believes in compensating workers for their efforts, especially if their work is replicated by AI. “We believe in protecting and paying human beings, and we believe we ought to pay for their work if it’s replicated by AI after their work is done,” he added.
Zelnick’s comments come as the use of generative AI in the video game industry has sparked controversy. Many worry that AI could replace human workers or be used to replicate their work without fair compensation.
Zelnick’s stance stands in contrast to some other executives, like Amazon Games CEO Christoph Hartmann, who has downplayed the importance of actors in video games.
As the highly anticipated GTA 6 continues to generate buzz, Zelnick’s comments bring attention to the ongoing debate about AI’s role in creative industries and the need for fair treatment of workers.