Generative AI Controversy: Take-Two CEO Zelnick Reframes His Stance

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed an opinion about generative AI that contradicted what he said six months ago.

During a talk at The Paley Center for Media, Zelnick said that generative AI was “the future of technology.” However, during an interview with CNBC in February, he said, “I think it’s worth noting, though, the genius is human. The tools may be digital, but the creative genius is human,” regarding Grand Theft Auto 6 and its supposed use of generative AI.

While at the talk with The Paley Center for Media, Zelnick elaborated that AI won’t reduce employment but rather increase it. He said, “Technology always increases productivity, which in turn increases GDP, which in turn increases employment. And you know, in 1865, 65% of the US workforce was involved in agriculture.”

Generative AI’s Effect on Jobs

According to Megan Cerullo of CBS News, “For the first seven months of 2025, rising adoption of generative AI technology by private employers accounted for more than 10,000 job cuts, according to a report released this week by Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The outplacement firm lists AI as one of the top five factors contributing to job losses in 2025.” A report from the World Economic Forum states that generative AI will replace up to 92 million jobs by 2030. 

Generative AI and Agriculture

Zelnick explained that the United States produces tons of food, with only 2% of its population involved in agriculture. He said,

“And I defy you to find anyone who recently said to you ‘It’s so horrible I can’t get a job as a farmer,’ and employment is way up,”. He added, “AI is a great thing. It’s a great thing for every industry. Will it create a genius? No. Will it create hits? No. It’s a bunch of data with a bunch of computers with a language model attached.”

A study by the International Food Policy Research Institute, or IFPRI, stated that generative AI’s infrastructure “impacts air, soil, and water with pollutants like nitrogen oxides, which damage crops by reducing yields and nutritional quality, especially in vulnerable communities.” Additionally, the IFPRI stated that the infrastructure’s constant demands for energy and water give it a “larger environmental footprint than traditional manufacturing, making it a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change.” They write, “Gen AI is fueling rapid cloud infrastructure expansion, with serious environmental consequences.”

My Opinion

Zelnick’s opinion is very out of touch, especially in agriculture, where federal farm subsidies make up an average of 13.5% of net farm income, according to USAFacts. With the current government shutdown, farmers do not have access to resources to keep them able to keep their jobs. 

In the gaming sphere, generative AI has already permeated entertainment, from art to music. In my opinion, Zelnick’s change in views likely resulted from benefiting from generative AI. While generative AI automates the creative process, it has to come at a cost, like with all resources.