Take-Two Interactive cuts its workforce

Rockstar Games parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has enacted some cost-cutting measures, more specifically layoffs and canceling projects, as it continues onto the final stretch of Grand Theft Auto 6‘s development. CEO Strauss Zelnick previously said there was no plans of laying off employees, but now, we know that it has.

IGN reports that a filing from the New York-based company surfaced citing its goal of “streamlining its organizational structure” and “eliminating several projects in development.” This leads to $160 and $200 million in total charges, with $120 million to $140 million tied to its canceled projects. The total number of jobs cut is 5%.

Back in February, Zelnick said there were no plans on conducting layoffs, which have run rampant in the industry, especially since 2020. The company had acquired Gearbox from Embracer Group, and confirmed a new Borderlands is coming. It also finalized its acquisition of the mobile-focused company, Zynga.

Take-Two’s cost-cutting measures are planned to stop by December 31, 2024. It’s not that shocking that a major developer is slashing jobs, but it’s to be expected at this point. Meanwhile, Rockstar is moving forward with its return-to-office requirement and worries of GTA 6 lagging behind in the pipeline continue to loom, which could lead to it getting delayed into 2026.