Highlights
- Take-Two reportedly cuts AI head, Luke Dicken, and multiple team members.
- Layoffs surface as the company continues its generative AI efficiency strategy.
- The cuts follow a strong $1.76B quarter, and ahead of GTA VI launch plans.
Take-Two Interactive has reportedly cut its AI leadership and multiple team members, according to LinkedIn posts from affected staff, first highlighted by Game Developer. The move includes Luke Dicken, who previously spent more than 10 years at Zynga before becoming head of AI at Take-Two. Take-Two declined to comment when contacted for confirmation, leaving the scope of the layoffs undisclosed.
Dicken stated in his LinkedIn post, “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." He added that the team spent seven years building game-development technology and was seeking roles for staff in machine learning, infrastructure, procedural content, and production.
Other employees responded with similar updates.
Jason Leon, senior director of AI development, said “shifting priorities from upper management” affected the team. Additional posts from infrastructure and operations staff suggested multiple roles across the AI initiative were impacted.
Take-Two Continues Generative AI Focus Amid Restructuring
The reported cuts come as Take-Two leadership continues to focus on generative AI (GenAI). Executives have said the company is “actively embracing” the technology to drive efficiencies and reduce costs, while also positioning AI as part of a broader innovation strategy. Take-Two president, Karl Slatoff, previously cautioned against comparing Google’s Genie tool to traditional game engines, reflecting a nuanced approach to adoption.
Financially, Take-Two reported $1.76 billion USD in net bookings for the fiscal third quarter (Q3) ended on Dec 31, 2025.
Meanwhile, Zynga contributed to growth, with Toon Blast increasing 43% year-on-year (YoY) and surpassing $3B in lifetime net bookings. The company also pointed to future momentum tied to the November 19, 2026, release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI), with marketing expected to begin in the summer.
The layoffs, occurring alongside strong results and continued AI investment messaging, suggest shifting internal priorities within Take-Two’s technology strategy.
