As the internet waits for the “next Grand Theft Auto game”, which may or may not get a release date next month but is definitely getting its first teaser trailer, Take-Two Interactive is busy drumming up talk about the use of a controversial piece of technology in the upcoming game. To be more specific, Take-Two believes that using generative AI technology in GTA VI could help enhance its virtual world and, quite possibly, revolutionize gameplay.
In a recent earnings call with investors, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick highlighted the possibilities AI technology could unlock for games like GTA 6. Zelnick, a seasoned executive with a keen eye on the industry’s pulse, emphasized that the use of AI can help streamline the development process, but it wouldn’t necessarily make it faster or cheaper, implying that, just like everything else, it’ll be a tool that the studio will use when the situation calls for it – not an end-all, be-all to all its problems, unlike what others would have you believing. His measured optimism suggests a cautious approach to integrating AI, focusing on enhancing the gaming experience rather than cutting costs.
The promise of AI in gaming, particularly for a franchise as monumental as Grand Theft Auto, isn’t lost on Zelnick. He envisions a future where non-playable characters evolve to become more than just scripted automatons. Instead, using AI lets them become more dynamic and engaging, contributing to making the world more immersive and interactive, a feature that perhaps would benefit a game like GTA 6 much more than the company’s ambitious life-like graphics plans could ever do for it. This prospective leap in NPC design could redefine player engagement, making every interaction unique and potentially limitless.
However, Zelnick’s vision for AI in gaming extends beyond mere NPC improvement. He foresees a broader impact that AI could assist in crafting more intricate game worlds and narratives. This aligns with the industry’s trend of pursuing efficiency and innovation, pushing the envelope of what’s possible in virtual storytelling and design.
Zelnick’s sentiments echo those of other industry leaders that are cautiously dipping their toes into AI technology, using it to transform video game development. Companies like Ubisoft and Valve have shown interest in AI tools for different aspects of game creation, from dialogue writing to legal considerations. Notably, Microsoft has also partnered with the tech company, Inworld AI, to develop an “AI copilot” for Xbox Game Studios developers, signaling a wider acceptance of AI’s role in future game development.
Despite the excitement, Zelnick’s stance is clear: AI will not replace the creative human spirit at the core of video game development. Instead, it will elevate the art form, allowing developers to dedicate more time to high-level creative work by automating the menial tasks. The expectation is that while AI may not reduce the cost of AAA titles like GTA 6, it will lead to richer, more sophisticated gaming experiences.
The use of AI in Grand Theft Auto 6 also hints at the broader strategy of Take-Two Interactive for as long as Zelnick is at the helm. As the company prepares for a potential future that includes AI-assisted development, the focus remains on being a creative powerhouse in the industry, setting high standards and innovating relentlessly – a “creative benchmark”, specifically, as he mentioned in the past.
The potential impact of AI on the gaming industry is a subject of intense debate, with some expressing concern over job displacement and the ethical implications of generative AI. Zelnick’s comments suggest that while AI will change the industry landscape, it doesn’t diminish the need for human creativity and ingenuity.
This reminds us of the still-ongoing criticisms of Starfield whose world, while massive, feels barren if lifeless, mostly because of how scripted its environment, specifically, the NPCs, feel. Can you imagine if Bethesda had access to the AI technology necessary that let them make each NPC feel genuinely like someone you’d come across the streets in real life? Modders have already done that for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the last we heard. It’s only a matter of time before it’s done in Starfield, even if modding feels like an afterthought in the game.
As we approach the trailer reveal for Grand Theft Auto 6 in December, the discussion around AI’s role in its supposedly decade-long development only adds to the intrigue surrounding the yet-to-be-officially-titled game. With Rockstar’s track record of pushing boundaries and Take-Two’s commitment to innovation, the stage is set for GTA 6 to potentially be a landmark title.
