Take-Two Reportedly Laid Off Entire AI Division Team

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Amidst an industry-wide push for integrating artificial intelligence into development processes, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games and 2K, has shut down its dedicated AI department. Former division director Luke Dicken confirmed the layoff via a LinkedIn post. The exact date is unclear, though reports indicate it occurred around April 3, 2026. Dicken, who was also among those let go, had previously built an AI team at Zynga before its acquisition by Take-Two in 2022. He subsequently advanced to Senior Director of AI at Zynga, and in 2025 became Head of AI for Take-Two. His LinkedIn announcement expressed disappointment and appealed to his network to assist in recruiting his former colleagues. Dicken emphasized the expertise of his team, who for seven years had developed advanced technologies for video game development, including procedural content generation, machine learning, and infrastructure development. According to Dicken, these systems enhanced efficiency throughout the development process. The number of employees affected beyond Dicken remains unspecified. This decision follows Take-Two’s closure of Intercept Games, the developer of Kerbal Space Program 2, in 2024, as well as a 5% reduction in its global workforce—cost-cutting measures aimed at saving $165 million.

Layoffs at Take-Two Amidst Anticipated Release of Grand Theft Auto VI in 2026 Contrast CEO’s AI Job Creation Vision

These cuts at Take-Two come as the company is anticipated to release Grand Theft Auto VI in November 2026. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has publicly stated his belief that AI will foster job creation through increased productivity and economic growth, rather than diminish employment.

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