The University of Utah’s Division of Games had the privilege of hosting Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two Interactive, for a special conversation at Kingsbury Hall with students, faculty, and staff. Moderated by Division Chair Michael Young, the fireside-style discussion brought one of the most influential figures in global entertainment directly to our community.
A Conversation on the Future of Games and Media
For an hour, Zelnick and Young explored wide-ranging topics submitted by Division faculty and students. Questions covered the future of entertainment media, the evolving role of games and virtual reality, the growth of mobile platforms, and the challenge—and opportunity—of engaging players from around the world.
Zelnick shared insights drawn from decades of leadership across media, entertainment, and games. His perspective on balancing creativity with business sustainability, nurturing long development cycles, and positioning games at the center of cultural life provided an invaluable window into the challenges shaping the industry.
Community Engagement and Connection
After the formal conversation in Kingsbury Hall, Zelnick joined Division faculty, staff, and students on the lawn outside for an informal gathering. Over pizza and conversation, he engaged directly with attendees, offering encouragement to aspiring developers and hearing firsthand about the projects and research happening at Utah Games.
About Strauss Zelnick
Strauss Zelnick is one of the most respected leaders in entertainment, serving since 2007 as Chairman and CEO of Take-Two Interactive, publisher of iconic labels including Rockstar Games and 2K. Under his leadership, Take-Two has become a creative and commercial powerhouse, producing titles such as Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, NBA 2K, and BioShock. Zelnick is also the founder of ZMC, a private equity firm focused on media investments, and brings a unique perspective on leadership, innovation, and the future of global entertainment.
About the Division of Games
The University of Utah’s Division of Games is recognized as one of the world’s leading academic programs in games. Ranked #1 among public institutions and #2 overall in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year, the Division is a national leader in research, teaching, and industry engagement. With rapidly growing undergraduate and graduate programs, world-class faculty, and strong partnerships with the global games industry, the Division prepares the next generation of creators, innovators, and leaders.