Saw an interview clip with Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, he has expressed skepticism about the idea that AI can replicate the creative process required to develop Grand Theft Auto VI.

My Take

I’m in agreement with this. After using AI tools in my own game development, I’ve found that they simply cannot see the whole game — they can’t feel game feel. They can produce certain features quickly, but it requires so much human judgment at every step that it might honestly be easier to plan on paper and execute than to hand the reins to generative AI.

I also think we’re using the wrong word entirely. AI should really be called automation technology — because once you identify a repeatable pattern in your business process or creative workflow, you can automate it out. But it is not intelligent when dealing with ambiguity or rapidly shifting requirements. That’s where the human stays essential.

What Strauss Zelnick Said

He has stated that AI is not capable of creating hit games like GTA VI due to the inherent creativity needed for such projects. Zelnick has also dismissed the notion that AI can make games like GTA VI, calling it “laughable.”

He emphasizes that while AI can assist with repetitive tasks and asset creation, it cannot replace the human creativity necessary for game development. Zelnick’s comments reflect a broader industry perspective that differentiates between automation and creation, highlighting the importance of human involvement in the game development process.

GTA 6 vs AI: Why developers say AI can’t replace human creativity