As AI continues to emerge, debates inevitably arise regarding its role in gaming. While some publishers, such as Electronic Arts and Krafton, are quick to praise its potential, others remain skeptical of its capabilities. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, is particularly outspoken in his opposition to the use of AI in game development. According to him, it will never be able to produce a game like GTA 6 or GTA 7.
No generative AI for GTA 7 or any other Rockstar games
When asked by CNBC about this subject, he said that the impact of AI on video game development is still limited, mainly due to intellectual property issues. « We have to protect our intellectual property, but more than that, we have to be mindful of others. If you create intellectual property with AI, it’s not protectable. » With a franchise like GTA in its hands, it’s safe to assume that Take-Two is eager to assert its rights.
However, for Zelnick, it is equally important to respect the rights of others. The risk with AI is that it could infringe someone’s copyright, which is obviously not an option for the publisher of GTA 6. « There are constraints » and he believes these are not only moral but practical too. « What if the technology had all constraints removed on its usage? Could we push a button tomorrow and create an equivalent to the GTA marketing plan? The answer is no. A, you can’t do that yet, and B, I am of the view that you wouldn’t end up with anything very good. You end up with something pretty derivative. »
This limitation comes down to one thing: AI is a technology based on the analysis of historical data, so its output can be easily predicted. This is not what a publisher like Take-Two is looking for, particularly when it comes to pioneering works such as GTA. « What we do at Take-Two, anything that isn’t attached to that, it’s going to be really, really bad at. »Rest assured, GTA 7 should be free from any generative AI. « We aim to create franchises that are permanent », Strauss said. A position far different from other major companies like EA or Krafton, which are expected to focus more on AI in the very near future.
Source : CNBC
