Former Rockstar Dev Says GTA 6 Will Remain Most Expensive Game Ever Due to AI

Industry insiders continue to speculate about Grand Theft Auto 6’s unprecedented development budget, with credible estimates placing the figure well into the billion-dollar range. This staggering investment solidifies its position as the most expensive video game production in history—a title that former Rockstar technical director Obbe Vermeij believes will remain unchallenged even by its successor.

Vermeij brings substantial credibility to these predictions, having served as technical director during Rockstar’s formative years. His hands-on experience includes critical contributions to landmark titles including GTA: San Andreas, GTA: Vice City, and the groundbreaking GTA 4, giving him unique insight into the studio’s production methodologies and cost structures.

During his recent appearance on the Kiwi Talkz podcast, Vermeij made the bold assertion that “GTA 7 will be cheaper to make than GTA 6” due to artificial intelligence assuming significant portions of development workload. He emphasized this transition appears inevitable, stating “a lot of that stuff (development) is going to be taken over by AI whether we want it or not.”

The veteran developer provided specific timeline expectations, predicting that “these banks of artists that are just building massive maps or massive cutscenes, I think some of that will be taken over by AI in the next, you know, five years or so.” This represents a fundamental shift from current labor-intensive production methods toward AI-assisted content generation.

For game developers navigating this transition, focusing on developing AI collaboration skills represents a strategic career move. Learning to effectively direct AI tools while maintaining creative oversight will become increasingly valuable as the industry evolves.

Vermeij’s vision extends beyond Rockstar’s specific projects to encompass the entire gaming landscape. He forecasts that “the bulk of the work (game development) is probably going to be replaced by AI,” with particular impact on character creation systems and conversational mechanics.

This automation could generate substantial cost efficiencies while potentially accelerating production timelines. However, developers should avoid over-reliance on AI for critical narrative elements, as this represents a common pitfall in early adoption phases.

The integration of AI into character development workflows could revolutionize how NPCs are created, allowing for more diverse and responsive in-game populations. Similarly, conversation systems may evolve from pre-scripted dialogues to dynamic interactions shaped by player choices and AI-driven context.

Understanding these emerging technologies is crucial for staying competitive. Our Class Guide explores how AI might impact character specialization and role dynamics in future titles.

Despite anticipating widespread AI adoption, Vermeij maintains that “higher-level creative stuff” will remain firmly in human hands. He clarified that “I don’t think AI will be doing the creative part. You’re still gonna have artists setting the style and the look, and you’re still gonna have writers writing the story. I don’t think AI can do that.”

This distinction highlights the enduring value of human artistic vision and narrative craftsmanship in game development. While AI may excel at execution and scale, creative direction requires the nuanced understanding and emotional intelligence that currently remains uniquely human.

Game studios should strategically allocate resources, using AI for repetitive tasks while preserving human talent for conceptual development and quality assurance. This balanced approach maximizes efficiency without compromising artistic integrity.

For those interested in mastering game development fundamentals, our Complete Guide provides essential foundation knowledge that remains relevant regardless of technological advancements.

Vermeij’s comments arrive during a particularly turbulent period for gaming employment, coming just days before Microsoft’s Xbox division announced significant workforce reductions reportedly connected to AI automation initiatives.

Rockstar Games has maintained official silence regarding potential AI integration in GTA 6 or subsequent projects. However, corporate leadership at parent company Take-Two Interactive has offered insights into their philosophical approach.

During a February CNBC interview, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick articulated that “we (Take-Two) believe in protecting and paying human beings, and we believe we ought to pay for their work if it’s replicated by AI after their work is done.” He further emphasized that “creative genius is human,” suggesting the company may pursue a hybrid model that leverages AI capabilities while safeguarding human creative contributions.

This perspective aligns with emerging best practices for weapon systems development, as detailed in our Weapons Unlock guide, which explores balancing technological advancement with gameplay fundamentals.

Developers watching these trends should monitor how major studios implement AI tools while continuing to develop their core creative and technical skills that will remain essential regardless of technological shifts.

No reproduction without permission：Tsp Game Club » Former Rockstar Dev Says GTA 6 Will Remain Most Expensive Game Ever Due to AI Former Rockstar developer predicts AI will reduce GTA 7 costs while preserving creative human roles