Take-Two Boss Blasts AI as “Convenient Magic Trick,” Not Real Intelligence

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick dismissed the idea of artificial intelligence as true intelligence, calling it a misleading term. Zelnick stated, arguing that what is commonly referred to as AI is simply a collection of advanced digital tools designed to enhance efficiency rather than true machine learning.

‘’Artificial intelligence is an oxymoron, there’s no such thing,’’ stated in a recent interview, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive.

Zelnick explained that what is often termed “AI” is simply advanced digital tools that improve business efficiency, not true machine learning. 

“Machines don’t learn. Those are convenient ways to explain to human beings what looks like magic,” Zelnick remarked. 

Strauss did acknowledge, however, that AI will play a significant role in the industry, helping to streamline processes and make game development more efficient: ”The bottom line is that these are digital tools, and we’ve used digital tools forever.”He emphasized that while AI could improve productivity, it would not lead to widespread job losses in the gaming sector. “Technology increases employment, increases productivity, increases GDP, and I think that’s what’s going to happen with AI,” he said, reaffirming his belief that digital advancements have historically supported job growth, not reduced it.

Zelnick also emphasized the importance of ethical and legal boundaries in AI’s impact, “It’s important that AI does not infringe on other people’s intellectual property by poaching their LLMs [large language models],” he stated, asserting that Take-Two Interactive is mindful of using technologies that respect others’ IP rights while also protecting their own.

Meanwhile, AI’s role in game development has fueled debates over its impact on industry jobs. In China, AI-driven image generation has reportedly led to a 70% decline in video game illustrator jobs, while striking U.S. video game actors warn that AI poses a direct threat to their livelihoods.
Take-Two Interactive has recently reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, marking a 3% increase over the previous year and shared the plans for 2025, assuring that GTA 6 is on schedule for the fall.