Take-Two Announces Layoffs of AI Division Lead and Team Members
Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games and Zynga, has laid off its head of AI, Luke Dicken, along with multiple team members. In a LinkedIn post, Dicken expressed disappointment at the end of his tenure, which lasted from January 2025 to April 2026. He indicated a reflective post would follow, urging support for his team’s job search.
Details on Layoffs in AI Division
Dicken emphasized the talents of those let go, mentioning their expertise in innovative technology and game development solutions. He noted that his team had been advancing technology in gaming for seven years.
Impact on Team and Leadership
- Dicken worked at Zynga for over a decade, prior to his role at Take-Two.
- He led various initiatives at Zynga and spent two years building the AI team at Take-Two.
- Shifting priorities from management directly impacted his team’s stability.
Four additional team members, including a director of AI research, also shared experiences of their layoffs on social media. One of them acknowledged the loss of their position in similar terms.
Company Response to Generative AI
In an earnings call, Take-Two president Karl Slatoff expressed skepticism about AI tools like Google’s Genie, highlighting a commitment to embrace generative AI to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
Mixed Reception in the Industry
While Take-Two leadership advocates for the potential of generative AI as a creative force, many in the development community criticize its implications for the industry.
Financial Performance and Future Outlook
Despite the layoffs, Take-Two reported strong financial performance, with net bookings reaching $1.76 billion for the third quarter ending December 31, 2025. Zynga’s contributions were significant, particularly with Toon Blast achieving over $3 billion in lifetime net bookings, reflecting a 43% year-on-year increase.
CEO Strauss Zelnick remains optimistic about the company’s trajectory. He highlighted plans for a groundbreaking year in 2027, marked by the anticipated November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto VI. The marketing for this flagship title is set to commence this summer, indicating a strong focus on innovation and efficiency at Take-Two.
