Take-Two boss has zero interest in playing GTA 6: ‘I’m not a gamer’
The CEO behind one of the biggest video game companies in the world has explained why he doesn't play them, despite having access to GTA 6.
The CEO behind one of the biggest video game companies in the world has explained why he doesn’t play them, despite having access to GTA 6.
GTA 6 might be the most anticipated game on the planet, but one of the few people who has access to Rockstar’s sequel is simply not bothered about playing it.
Take-Two’s Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Rockstar’s parent company, made an appearance on CNBC to discuss the company’s financial results for Q4 2025 and GTA 6, which has been pushed back to May 26, 2026.
Zelnick described the delay as being from a ‘desire to polish and create the best experience for consumers’, but things took a personal turn when he was asked if he had played the game in question.
‘I’m not a gamer,’ Zelnick said, avoiding the question. ‘I don’t play video games [at all]. I’m not the consumer-in-chief.’
When asked if he gives Rockstar notes when he’s shown the game, Zelnick replied: ‘I share my opinions pretty openly. I think being the consumer-in-chief in the entertainment business as the CEO is probably a mistake.’
Zelnick, who previously worked for Columbia Pictures Television and 20th Century Fox, explained how he’s never been actively involved in any creative work during his career – even in the TV and music business, despite calling himself a ‘musician’.
‘That’s not my role,’ he added. ‘My role is to attract, retain, and motivate the best talent in the business, and then get out of their way.’
While he’s certainly not the first CEO of a games company who doesn’t actually play games, it’s odd that he doesn’t appear to have any curiosity about playing GTA 6.
Still, he’s not shy about making some bold claims about the sequel. When addressing the reason behind the game’s delay, Zelnick said: ‘Rockstar is trying to create the best thing anyone has ever seen in entertainment, not just interactive entertainment. That’s a tall order. And I think consumers have huge hopes for the title.’
Last week, Zelnick described the delay as necessary to allow Rockstar to fulfil its ‘creative vision’ for GTA 6 ‘with no limitations’.
Along with GTA 6, Rockstar is rumoured to be working on a Red Dead Redemption 2 port for Switch 2, and a remaster of GTA 4.
Jason and Lucia make waves next year (Take-Two Interactive)Email [email protected], leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter.
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