Take-Two Interactive’s CEO Strauss Zelnick has provided reassuring news for Grand Theft Auto fans eagerly waiting for a much-needed update regarding the series’ sixth installment.
Amidst the ongoing concerns about the potential strikes by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists impacting the video game industry, Zelnick has confidently stated that Grand Theft Auto 6 remains “completely protected.”
The SAG-AFTRA union, which covers a range of professionals in the entertainment industry, including voice and motion capture actors integral to video game production, recently voted with an overwhelming majority in favor of authorizing a similar strike to take place within the video game industry. This move doesn’t necessarily guarantee a prolonged work stoppage but it empowers the union to initiate one if negotiations around the Interactive Media Agreement, addressing wages and the use of AI, among other issues, do not meet their members’ terms.
During a recent earnings call (as per Video Games Chronicle), Zelnick addressed the potential impact of a strike on the production of the next GTA title. In his response, he projected optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations, shining a much-needed spotlight on Take-Two’s appreciation for its talent and commitment to maintaining excellent labor relations. He emphasized the company’s thorough preparation, stating, “In the event that they don’t work out just fine, we are completely protected.”
This statement implies that Take-Two has preemptively taken steps to safeguard the development of GTA 6, ensuring a strike won’t delay its highly anticipated release. The details of these protective measures weren’t disclosed, but it hints that key aspects of the game, such as voice acting and motion capture, may have already been completed or that alternative arrangements are in place to continue development uninterrupted.
The CEO’s comments follow the tentative resolution of the Hollywood strike action and fall in line with Take-Two and its pattern of forward-thinking and meticulous planning. Zelnick’s experience with labor negotiations across various and extensive entertainment industries likely contributed to this proactive approach. His confidence is particularly big given that Rockstar Games recently announced the official trailer for GTA 6 will be released in early December, a revelation that has significantly heightened excitement among fans and industry watchers alike.
The build-up to GTA 6’s unveiling has intensified in recent days and things will only get worse going forward. The game is poised to be a significant advancement over its predecessor, GTA V, which has achieved remarkable success ever since it launched in 2013. Take-Two’s approach to AI technology in video game development has piqued interest, with Zelnick having acknowledged its potential to enhance efficiency and creativity while insisting that it will not lead to a reduction in game prices. Instead, AI use will allow developers like Rockstar to create better, higher-quality games while streamlining the process and, more importantly, more worthy of a likely higher price tag.
As a bonus, Zelnick’s assurance implies that GTA 6 is all but ready to release – it only needs further polishing. If GTA 6 is out by March 2025, which some are suggesting, including Take-Two, this means that Rockstar will spend the better part of the next two years fine-tuning the game. The last time this happened in the gaming industry, Nintendo gave us The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which is selling extremely well and helping Nintendo enjoy a banner year.
With the GTA franchise being a flagship property for Take-Two, the protection from potential strike action is proof of a commitment to delivering GTA 6 without delay. Zelnick’s assurance will likely quell concerns among investors and fans alike, ensuring that anticipation for the game’s release remains focused on its content and features rather than on labor disputes that have recently been a notable concern in the entertainment sector.
As the industry awaits the next chapter in the Grand Theft Auto saga, Take-Two’s proactive measures with Zelnick at the helm is providing a solid and stable foundation for what could be the most significant game of this generation (and certainly, its most expensive).
