Elon Musk claims AI could build GTA VI in minutes, Take-Two CEO pushes back

A debate over the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in game development has resurfaced after tech billionaire Elon Musk appeared to agree with a claim that a game like Grand Theft Auto (GTA) VI could be created “in minutes” using AI — a suggestion that has drawn sharp pushback from industry leaders.

Musk, who has been actively promoting AI through his ventures, endorsed a social media post earlier this year suggesting that advanced AI tools could drastically accelerate video game production. 

The comment sparked discussion among fans eagerly awaiting the release of GTA VI, which has been in development for years.

However, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, dismissed the idea, arguing that while AI can assist in development, it cannot replace the creative process required to produce blockbuster titles. 

Speaking at a recent industry event, Zelnick described the notion as unrealistic, emphasising that successful games rely on storytelling, design, and human creativity.

“These tools may help create assets, but they won’t create hits,” he said, reiterating comments he previously made in response to Musk’s claims.

The exchange highlights a broader industry conversation about AI’s growing influence. 

While developers are increasingly using AI to streamline certain aspects of production — such as asset creation and testing — experts say the technology remains far from capable of independently producing complex, large-scale games.

The upcoming release of GTA 6, currently slated for November 2026, is expected to be one of the biggest launches in gaming history, underscoring the scale and effort involved in modern game development — something industry leaders say cannot yet be replicated by AI alone.