TL;DR:
- Take-Two CEO, Strauss Zelnick, discusses the possible integration of generative AI in Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6).
- Zelnick highlights AI’s potential to enhance interactions between players and NPCs, making them more engaging.
- He acknowledges that while generative AI offers promise, it may not necessarily reduce development time or costs.
- Zelnick assures stakeholders that GTA 6 is insulated from potential delays due to a recent strike by SAG-AFTRA’s video game actors.
- The strike led to a “tentative agreement” that includes provisions safeguarding members from the influence of AI.
- Microsoft’s collaboration with Inworld AI to develop AI tools for Xbox studios has garnered attention.
- Inworld AI’s technology was used to create Sentient Streets, an AI-powered mod for GTA 5 that revolutionized player-NPC interactions.
Main AI News:
In the realm of gaming, Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, has ignited discussions about the potential integration of generative AI in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). Zelnick’s insights were unveiled during his appearance at the Paley International Council Summit on November 7th, where he shed light on the transformative possibilities of AI within game development. Specifically, he honed in on the role of AI in enhancing interactions between players and non-playable characters (NPCs), a domain traditionally dominated by scripted dialogues.
Zelnick candidly remarked that scripted interactions between players and NPCs often lack the desired allure, deeming them “generally not very interesting.” However, he raised the prospect of leveraging AI to craft dynamic dialogue trees and introduce diversity into these exchanges. In his vision, this innovative approach has the potential to render such interactions “really interesting and fun.”
Yet, Zelnick’s enthusiasm is tempered with a pragmatic outlook. He acknowledges that while generative AI could potentially yield superior results, it may not necessarily expedite development or reduce costs. This viewpoint aligns with his previous commentary on AI’s role in game development, where he cautiously expressed optimism about its evolution.
Furthermore, during Take-Two’s recent earnings call, Zelnick assured stakeholders that GTA 6 remains impervious to any potential delays arising from a strike by SAG-AFTRA’s video game actors. Take-Two was actively involved in negotiations with the union during a recent strike, which received overwhelming support from its members. The strike was only recently resolved, with the union reaching a “tentative agreement” with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, an association representing production companies. This agreement includes groundbreaking provisions designed to safeguard SAG-AFTRA members from the encroachment of AI.
While Take-Two refrains from confirming or denying the use of AI in GTA 6, Microsoft has made headlines with its collaboration with Inworld AI. This partnership aims to develop a suite of AI tools for Xbox’s studios, encompassing an “AI design copilot” and an “AI character runtime engine.” Notably, Inworld AI’s technology was behind the creation of Sentient Streets, a remarkable AI-powered modification for GTA 5 that enabled players to engage in spontaneous conversations with NPCs, reshaping the dynamics of virtual interaction.
Conclusion:
Take-Two’s exploration of generative AI in GTA 6 reflects the industry’s growing interest in enhancing player-NPC interactions. While promising, the impact on development timelines and costs remains uncertain. The recent strike and the resulting agreement signify a broader concern within the industry about AI’s role in creative content and labor relations. Microsoft’s partnership with Inworld AI also underscores the expanding opportunities for AI-driven innovations in gaming, potentially reshaping the market landscape.
