Take-Two’s Strauss Zelnick Explained Why Former Rockstar Devs Weren’t Able to Make a Solid GTA Competitor

For many years, various game studios have tried to create games that could compete with Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto franchise. History knows both successful and not-so-successful projects, but over the years, no franchise has emerged capable of dethroning the GTA game series, and with the upcoming release of GTA 6, this seems unrealistic.

Moreover, even former Rockstar Games employees tried to create their own product based on past work experience—and MindsEye, developed by the studio Build A Rocket Boy, founded by former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies, is, if not successful, certainly a very vivid example.

Speaking during the TD Cowen 54th Annual Technology Conference, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick explained why other game studios, including those with former Rockstar Games employees, have still not managed to create their own version of GTA. In his opinion, the main credit for this goes primarily not to the technology, but to the people who work in this industry and bring fresh ideas. The highlights from his speech you can check out below:

“Lots of other people have tried. Lots and lots, including former Rockstar employees. So far, they haven’t been able to do it. Doesn’t mean they can’t in the future, by the way. We’re always running scared. But it won’t be technology that changes the game. That won’t be the change. What’ll change is that some extraordinarily creative individual or individuals will show up and do something astonishing. Our goal is to get those people to work within the Take-Two system. If we fail to do that, we fail”

Speaking of MindsEye, before its release, the game seemed to have potential, but after it was released last year, the project became one of the biggest failures in recent years. Not only did it come out practically unplayable, receiving low ratings from the press and players, but many also criticized the gameplay and story. As a result, Build A Rocket Boy studio went through several waves of layoffs and, according to rumors, may be closed this year.

Strauss Zelnick also recently teased that the GTA 6 marketing campaign will start on June 21, and around the same time, the long-awaited opening of pre-orders and the reveal of a new trailer should be expected. The game's release will take place on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Why do you think none of the game studios have been able to make a worthy analogue to the Grand Theft Auto franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!