Take-Two Interactive laid off its entire AI division shortly before the scheduled November 19, 2026 launch of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). The layoffs were disclosed by Luke Dickens, head of the AI team, on April 3, 2026, through a post on LinkedIn.
The exact number of employees affected by the layoffs was not specified by Dickens, who expressed disappointment over the company’s decision. He stated he would provide further details later and is focused on assisting his former team in finding new employment opportunities. Dickens highlighted the skills of his colleagues in his LinkedIn post, seeking support for their job search.
This move has been characterized as a drastic and unexpected decision by Take-Two Interactive. CEO Strauss Zelnick has expressed skepticism regarding the potential for artificial intelligence to autonomously create hit games, although he acknowledges AI’s utility as a tool in game development. Take-Two has not issued a formal statement regarding the layoffs.
In February 2026, Zelnick confirmed that generative AI had no role in developing GTA 6, noting that all in-game assets are handcrafted by developers. He emphasized the meticulous nature of constructing game worlds, stating, “Their worlds are handcrafted. That’s what differentiates them.” This approach is distinct from procedural generation techniques.
During a February earnings call, Zelnick announced that marketing efforts for GTA 6 would commence in the summer, further underscoring the significance of the game’s upcoming release.
