Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick recently joined CNBC’s Squawk Box to discuss the company’s strong financial performance, the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), and broader industry topics such as artificial intelligence in gaming and concerns about video game violence.
While much of the gaming world is focused on “When is GTA 6 officially releasing?” topics and, GTA 6 release date news and Zelnick made it clear that Take-Two’s recent stock surge is not solely due to the game but rather the company’s overall success across multiple titles. He emphasized that Take-Two has built a strong lineup of games that continues to perform well, helping the company stand out amid challenges faced by competitors like Electronic Arts and Ubisoft.
Rockstar Games’ focus on quality over speed
One of the biggest topics of discussion was the development timeline of GTA 6 updates. Zelnick reiterated that Rockstar Games is dedicated to delivering a game that meets the highest standards, even if that means taking longer to develop. He pointed to Grand Theft Auto V as an example—while the game faced delays before its release in 2013, it went on to become one of the most successful titles in gaming history.
He explained that Rockstar’s approach has always been about ensuring a polished and groundbreaking experience rather than rushing a product to market. With Grand Theft Auto 6 news out there, the studio is maintaining that philosophy, aiming to create a game that surpasses player expectations.
AI in gaming and the role of human creativity
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its impact on the gaming industry has been a major topic of discussion. Zelnick acknowledged that digital tools, including AI-driven technology, have been used in game development for years, helping improve efficiency in certain aspects of production. However, he stressed that human creativity remains the most important factor in making great games.
One area of concern has been the potential for AI to replace voice actors, a topic that has gained attention in light of recent labor disputes. Zelnick reassured that Take-Two values and fairly compensates the creative individuals who contribute to its projects, making it clear that technology will not replace the human talent that brings games to life.
Debunking myths about video games and violence
During the interview, Zelnick also addressed concerns about the potential link between violent video games and real-world aggression. He dismissed the notion, pointing to decades of research showing that video games do not cause violent behavior. Instead, he suggested that video games, like other forms of entertainment such as television and film, are a reflection of society rather than a cause of its problems.
He noted that despite the increasingly realistic graphics and immersive experiences that modern games offer, there is no evidence to support claims that they contribute to real-world violence. This debate has resurfaced many times over the years, but Zelnick emphasized that Take-Two remains confident in its content and responsible in its approach to game development.
GTA 6’s release date and the road ahead
GTA 6 is one of the most highly anticipated video game releases in history, and Zelnick reaffirmed that the game is on track to launch in fall 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Despite concerns that industry-wide labor disputes, such as the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, might cause delays, he confirmed that there are no changes to the planned release schedule.
With the launch still more than a year away, fans are eager for more details. Many expect Rockstar Games GTA 6 announcement to release additional trailers or marketing material in the coming months, possibly as early as spring 2025. While no official announcement has been made, past trends suggest that Rockstar will gradually unveil more information leading up to the release.
The excitement surrounding GTA 6 news goes beyond just Rockstar Games—it has become a key moment for the gaming industry as a whole. Analysts are closely watching how the game’s release will impact console sales, market trends, and the broader entertainment landscape.
