Take-Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnick recently discussed the role of user-generated content (UGC) in the gaming industry during an earnings call. He expressed that while Take-Two is open-minded and excited about the contributions of users in modding and creating content for their titles, he does not believe the industry will shift to being primarily driven by UGC.
Zelnick acknowledged the value that users bring through their engagement but emphasized that entertainment companies must focus on delivering high-quality entertainment as their core offering.
Zelnick highlighted the importance of modding communities, particularly for games like GTA, noting that user-created content adds excitement and value to these titles. However, he reiterated that the primary responsibility of entertainment companies is to provide top-tier entertainment to consumers, suggesting that user content should complement, not replace, professionally produced games.
Despite the growing influence of UGC in some areas, Zelnick made it clear that he does not foresee the gaming industry becoming dominated by user-generated content. He pointed out that certain platforms, like Roblox, operate more as platforms for UGC rather than traditional entertainment products, differentiating them from what Take-Two aims to achieve.
Zelnick also touched on Take-Two’s philosophy regarding intellectual property, stating that while the company generally supports user engagement and enhancement of its games, it remains protective of its IP. This suggests a balanced approach where the company encourages creativity but within the boundaries of protecting its core assets.
In addition to his comments on UGC, Zelnick confirmed that GTA 6 is still on track for a fall 2025 release. This update came amidst rumors that the game’s development was facing delays. When asked about the current stage of GTA 6’s development, Zelnick declined to provide specific details, maintaining a level of secrecy around the highly anticipated title.
