Will AI Make GTA 7 Cheaper to Build? Ex-Rockstar Dev Thinks So

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With Grand Theft Auto 6 set to drop in May 2026, everyone’s already wondering what’s next for the series. A former Rockstar developer recently spilled some tea, saying GTA 7 could cost way less to make thanks to AI. Let’s break down what’s got fans talking and why this matters.

AI to the Rescue?

Obbe Vermeij, who helped build classics like GTA Vice City and GTA IV during his time at Rockstar North, dropped a bombshell on the KIWI TALKZ podcast in early July 2025. He thinks AI could be a game-changer for GTA 7. Unlike GTA 6, which some say cost up to $2 billion to develop, Vermeij believes AI could handle boring stuff like designing maps, writing early drafts of dialogue, or even creating cutscenes. This could mean smaller teams and lower budgets, making the whole process faster and cheaper.

How AI Could Change Things

Vermeij’s big idea is that within a few years, AI might take over the grunt work in game development. Think of it like a super-smart assistant that sketches out city layouts or whips up basic character designs, leaving the fun, creative stuff—like storylines and gameplay—to human developers. Fans on X, like @GameRiot, are hyped about the idea of quicker releases, but others worry it might mean fewer jobs for artists. Some posts even point out that AI’s already being used in games for things like animations, so Vermeij’s not totally off-base.

Fans Have Mixed Feelings

The GTA community’s buzzing, but not everyone’s sold. On X, users like @PixelPundit are excited about the idea of GTA 7 coming out sooner, but others aren’t so sure. “If AI makes the game feel less alive, I’m out,” one fan tweeted. There’s also chatter on forums about whether AI can match Rockstar’s knack for detailed worlds, especially after some games using AI got flak for feeling flat. Plus, with GTA 6 expected to rake in billions, Rockstar might not even need to cut costs—but who doesn’t love saving a buck?

What’s Next for GTA?

Rockstar hasn’t said a peep about GTA 7 yet, and Vermeij admits it could take a decade to see if he’s right. Still, his comments hint at a future where AI helps make massive games like GTA without breaking the bank. For now, fans are left dreaming about what Los Santos (or wherever GTA 7 takes us) might look like with AI’s help. Will it be a win for gamers or a risky move? We’ll have to wait and see.