Like everything else, gaming publishers are increasingly leveraging generative AI to create assets, write code, and even design entire systems for projects of all sizes. Rockstar, on the other hand, has been firm in its stance, confirming that no generative AI was used in the development of GTA 6. Earlier this week, Rockstar’s Rob Nelson took a subtle dig at the technology, reaffirming the studio’s position.
Rockstar’s AI Stance Gets a Reminder in GTA 6 Preview
During his session with EDGE Magazine, Nelson showcased Jason and Lucia fleeing after a botched robbery. The player can switch between the two characters during the getaway, with one handling the driving while you take control of the passenger to shoot at pursuing cars. Nelson joked that the character not currently under the player’s control is AI-controlled, but the “good, old-fashioned sort.“
The joke is a pretty obvious dig at generative AI and LLMs, which are increasingly being used in practically everything these days. Traditional game AI, of course, has been around for decades, controlling NPC behavior and responding to player actions. Generative AI is a different thing entirely, and Nelson’s quick clarification, likely anticipating an incoming question, makes the response all the funnier.
It’s a fun bit from an excellent preview, and Rockstar has already been fairly open about its stance on generative AI. During the GTA 6 preview event in August, Kinda Funny’s Greg Miller revealed that he had asked Rob Nelson point-blank whether AI was in the game. Nelson’s response? A resounding “no” to both AI and microtransactions.
The Vice Gazette
GTA 6 news, leaks and rumours — rounded up and sent to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
- Release-date and trailer news the moment it lands
- Leaks and rumours, with our credibility rating attached
- Map, character and vehicle deep-dives from the wiki
You’re on the list.
The next edition of The Vice Gazette will land in your inbox.
Get the full GTA 6 Bible experience
Daily game streaks, comments, and your rumour votes saved across devices.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has also made the company’s position clear earlier this year, stating that “Generative AI has zero part in what Rockstar Games is building.” He added that Rockstar’s worlds are handcrafted, built from the ground up, “building by building, street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood.”
Whether Rockstar continues to hold this stance on generative AI in future projects and updates remains to be seen, but it’s refreshing to see a major studio continue to put human creativity first when so many others are jumping on the AI bandwagon.
About the author
Ali Hashmi has been playing Grand Theft Auto since the original game and has followed Rockstar Games ever since. Whether it's replaying GTA 4 for the tenth time, getting lost in Red Dead Redemption 2, or revisiting classics like Manhunt, L.A. Noire, Max Payne 3, and even Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis, he's always found something to appreciate in the studio's catalog. With more than eight years of games journalism experience, he now covers GTA 6 for GTA 6 Bible, writing news, guides, features, and retrospective pieces about Rockstar's games. His work has also appeared on Prima Games, Dot Esports, WhatIfGaming, GameTyrant, and The OuterHaven.
From the GAMURS Network
Network
GTA VI Original Score Reportedly Releasing on December 11 With 50 Tracks
GTA 6 could drain nearly $1 billion from the US economy, and Take-Two’s CEO already joked about the reason
GTA 6 to feature an in-depth sweat system, making the sports mini-games even more realistic
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!