Take-Two Reportedly Cuts AI Team Amid Shift In Strategy
Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of major studios behind blockbuster titles like Grand Theft Auto VI, has reportedly laid off several employees within its artificial intelligence division, including its head of AI.
Former AI lead Luke Dicken confirmed his departure in a LinkedIn post, stating that both his role and that of his team had been terminated. He described the development as disappointing and indicated that broader internal changes in company priorities had affected the unit.
Dicken, who previously held a senior AI role at Zynga – a subsidiary of Take-Two – had led efforts focused on developing advanced tools to support game development. Other members of the AI team also confirmed the layoffs in separate statements.
Strategy Shift Despite AI Investments
The reported cuts come months after Take-Two leadership signalled strong interest in artificial intelligence. CEO Strauss Zelnick had previously told investors that the company was actively exploring AI applications, with numerous pilot projects underway across its studios.
Zelnick highlighted AI’s potential to streamline development processes, reduce costs, and allow creative teams to focus on higher-value work. However, he has also maintained that human creativity remains central to the company’s success, emphasising the importance of supporting and compensating developers.
Industry Context
The layoffs reflect a broader trend in the gaming and tech industries, where companies continue to experiment with AI integration while reassessing investment priorities.
Take-Two owns major development studios, including Rockstar Games and 2K Games, both of which are central to its portfolio of high-profile titles.
While the company has not issued an official statement on the reported layoffs, the move suggests a recalibration of its approach to AI, even as the technology remains a key area of interest across the gaming sector.
