Publisher of Grand Theft Auto Shifts Focus from DEI to 'Diversity of Thought' in Yearly Report
Take-Two Interactive, the publishing company behind the anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, has opted to omit any references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in its latest annual report. Instead, the company emphasizes the importance of fostering a "diversity of thought" among its workforce.
First reported by Game File, this alteration can be found in Take-Two's annual 10-K report, which provides insights into the company's business operations, financials, and risk factors. In the 2024 report, a significant section was dedicated to DEI, expressing support for groups working to address social injustice, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and championing minority game design students. The report also celebrated cultural diversity through employee groups.
In contrast, the 2025 report makes only one reference to diversity: Take-Two believes that diverse perspectives drive innovation essential to their success. The report further states that the company aims to create an inclusive work environment where everyone feels respected, heard, and safe, but the commitments to provide scholarships for minority game design students, made in the 2024 report, are absent from the latest one.
The report adds that Take-Two empowers its colleagues to embrace entrepreneurial thinking and take calculated risks, fostering an environment that encourages personal growth.
This move towards emphasizing diversity of thought aligns with a growing trend among companies, as some are scaling back their DEI initiatives. Some attribute this shift to political pressures, particularly the crackdown on DEI by the Trump administration.
DEI efforts in the video game industry have gained momentum since its early days, but it wasn't until 2020 that major companies began openly supporting minority developers in response to systemic issues. After George Floyd's murder, companies became vocal advocates for movements like Black Lives Matter and pledged to assist marginalized developers. However, under President Trump's administration, such efforts may now face challenges.
Take-Two declined to comment when reached by our website. The company's website still maintains a statement affirming its belief in the value of diversity.
The backlash against DEI initiatives has gained traction in gaming communities. Last year, an online harassment movement known as "Gamergate 2.0" targeted consultancy companies focused on cultural sensitivities, created lists that deemed anything non-white, cis-male, and heterosexual as DEI, and modded games like The Sims 4 to remove LGBT and Black non-player characters.
The language in Take-Two's report mirrors that of companies like Meta, which announced a focus on "cognitive diversity" in its own 10-K earlier this year, following the termination of its DEI programs.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a champion for the video game industry, declined to comment on the impact of DEI rollbacks in video games. Instead, a spokesperson directed our website to the ESA's "Inclusion & Belonging" page, promoting representation and maintaining that the video game community is diverse.
[1] Source 1[2] Source 2[3] Source 3[4] Source 4
- In the latest annual reports, Take-Two Interactive and Meta have shifted their focus from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to emphasizing cognitive or thought diversity, as seen in their 10-K reports.
- The company archives highlight the significant changes in Take-Two's approach to DEI, with the 2025 report making only one reference to diversity, contrasting the extensive coverage of DEI in the 2024 report.
- The 2024 report featured commitments to empower minority game design students through scholarships, which are absent in the 2025 report, echoing a trend observed in some businesses due to political pressures and new administrations.
- The video game industry, including Take-Two, has faced backlash against DEI initiatives, with movements like "Gamergate 2.0" targeting consultancy companies and modifying games to remove marginalized characters.
- The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a major advocate for the video game industry, has remained silent on the impact of DEI rollbacks in video games, directing instead to their "Inclusion & Belonging" page that promotes diversity and representation within the industry.
- Newsletters and articles covering the gaming and technology sectors have extensively reported on the DEI efforts in the video game industry, including the growing concerns and challenges faced by companies in maintaining these initiatives. [Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, and Source 4]
