During a recent appearance at Semafor World Economy 2026, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick dropped a surprising suggestion: AI could take Elon Musk's job. The tech mogul and gaming executive, who oversees industry giants like Rockstar Games and 2K, shared his insights into the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence during a discussion on technological advancement.

While Zelnick acknowledged that AI "can be used for evil purposes," he expressed frustration with those focusing too heavily on the "woe is 'me' risk." He remains optimistic about how these tools can empower the average worker, yet he specifically targeted Musk’s professional security.

Why Zelnick Thinks AI Could Take Elon Musk's Job

Zelnick pointed directly to Musk’s deep familiarity with the technology, suggesting that even the world's wealthiest individual isn't immune to automation. The Take-Two head noted that despite Musk's massive influence, the idea that AI could take Elon Musk's job is a legitimate consideration given the billionaire's reliance on tech.

"If AI were going to get rid of employment, the richest man on Earth, Elon Musk, knows a little something about AI, last time I checked," Zelnick stated. He highlighted that while Musk possesses unlimited financial and human resources, his mastery of AI doesn't necessarily make him untouchable.

The Debate Over Generative GTA 6

The tension between Musk and the gaming industry intensified following an exchange on X (formerly Twitter) earlier this year. This friction stems from Musk’s suggestion that high-end titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 could eventually be generated by AI in mere minutes.

Key details surrounding the upcoming release include:

  • GTA 6 Release Date: Scheduled for November 19, 2026.
  • Development Timeline: The project has been in development for roughly six years.
  • Musk's Prediction: On January 14, 2026, Musk responded "yeah" to a post about AI-generated games, adding, "You won’t even have to ask. AI will figure what video game you’d like best."

Zelnick’s Skepticism Toward AI Hits

Zelnick has not been shy about dismissing the idea that AI can replace human creativity in AAA gaming. In March, he described the notion of AI generating high-quality, successful games as "laughable."

While he concedes that AI tools are excellent for creating individual assets, he insists they cannot manufacture a masterpiece. According to Zelnick, "These tools may help you create assets, but that won’t help you create hits."

The conversation concluded on a lighter note, with Zelnick jokingly suggesting that Musk might actually be an artificial simulation himself. As the audience laughed, he added, "In fairness, if you were going to choose a person who were a simulation, he would be my number one choice."