Layoffs at Take-Two's AI Division
Take-Two Interactive has reportedly laid off its head of artificial intelligence, Luke Dicken, alongside an unspecified portion of the AI team. This news comes just two months after CEO Strauss Zelnick stated the company was 'actively embracing generative AI' for its development processes.
Dicken, who joined Take-Two in January 2022 following a decade at Zynga, expressed his disappointment in a LinkedIn post, stating, 'It's truly disappointing that I have to share with you that my time with T2—and that of my team—has come to an end.' While he didn't provide specific numbers, his team has been instrumental in developing advanced technology for game creation.
The exact reasons for these layoffs remain unclear, especially considering Zelnick's previous remarks about the potential of generative AI. In March 2025, he noted he wasn't concerned about AI generating successful games, describing the technology as 'backwards-looking.' However, his tone seemed to shift later that year, emphasizing a broader exploration of AI initiatives within the company.
Despite this shift, the recent layoffs raise questions about the effectiveness of these AI pilot programs. Zelnick had previously stated that Take-Two was 'actively embracing generative AI' and had hundreds of ongoing projects across its studios, which gives the impression that the company was committed to integrating AI into its workflow.
The broader AI industry has faced challenges recently, with notable companies like OpenAI and Disney scaling back their efforts. This trend may have influenced Take-Two's decision-making regarding its AI team. As the gaming industry continues to explore AI's potential, Take-Two's conflicting messages and recent cuts add complexity to the narrative.
Moving forward, the future of Take-Two's AI initiatives remains uncertain. The departure of key personnel like Dicken could hinder the company's progress in an area they once deemed critical for innovation. As gaming technology evolves, it will be interesting to see how Take-Two navigates its relationship with AI and what steps they take next.
