Take-Two Interactive, the publisher responsible for “Grand Theft Auto VI,” has shifted its focus from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to promoting “diversity of thought” in its latest annual report. This change, initially identified by Game File, is reflected in the company’s 10-K report, which details business, financial, and risk factors.
In the 2024 report, Take-Two included comprehensive DEI support, emphasizing efforts to combat social injustice, support LGBTQ+ rights, and assist minority game design students, while celebrating cultural differences through employee groups. However, the 2025 report only briefly refers to diversity, stating, “We firmly believe that diversity of thought drives the innovation that is integral to our success,” and aims to ensure an inclusive workplace where employees feel respected, heard, and safe. Notably, commitments to scholarships for minority game design students, present in 2024, were omitted.
The report suggests that by encouraging employees to adopt an entrepreneurial approach and take calculated risks, the company believes it has cultivated an environment conducive to individual success.
This shift is part of a broader trend among companies rolling back DEI initiatives due to pressures against such efforts from the Trump administration. DEI initiatives have been growing within the video game industry, gaining significant support after the murder of George Floyd. However, as the administration intensifies its opposition to DEI, these initiatives face potential setbacks.
Despite being contacted by WIRED, Take-Two declined to comment. The company’s website still maintains that diverse teams are more valuable and effective, emphasizing that diversity is crucial to success.
The DEI backlash, extending into industries such as tech and retail, has also impacted gaming communities, with movements like “Gamergate 2.0” targeting consultancy firms advising on cultural sensitivities and producing lists to categorize anything non-heteronormative as DEI.
Language in Take-Two’s report mirrors that of companies like Meta, which also chose to prioritize “cognitive diversity” in its recent 10-K, while phasing out DEI programs.
The Entertainment Software Association, representing the video game industry, declined to comment on the impact of DEI rollbacks. Instead, it referred to its website’s “Inclusion & Belonging” page, endorsing representation and diversity within the gaming community.
