Saber CCO Tim Willits says 'somebody will make the Half-Life 2 of AI'
Saber Interactive, a major developer and publisher with studios worldwide, is navigating the complex debate surrounding generative AI in gaming following a recent controversy involving its title Rideshare "Stimulator" PC. While the company has clarified that it does not use AI across all projects, its Chief Creative Officer, Tim Willits, suggests that the industry's perception of this technology will eventually shift dramatically.
The controversy began when Saber's CEO, Matthew Karch, sparked backlash by suggesting a writer could be replaced with AI. Although Karch later apologized and ensured Rideshare "Stimulator" PC received proper AI disclosure labels on Steam, the broader question of how to integrate generative AI remained.
Saber is experimenting with the technology specifically for Rideshare "Stimulator" PC, a small-scale project designed to test the waters. The game uses AI to generate voices, radio music, and an optional "Free Ride" mode that creates missions and localized dialogue. Willits emphasized that this was a deliberate experiment rather than a company-wide mandate.
"We don't actually use it on our projects except for our experiment with Rideshare," Willits stated, noting that the industry is still figuring out how disruptive technologies fit into game development. He argued that while consumers are unsure what they want regarding AI, hiding from innovation isn't an option.
Willits believes that public opinion on generative AI will change over time, predicting a breakthrough moment similar to the release of Half-Life 2. "Somebody will make the Half-Life 2 of AI," he said. "I'm making a silly example, but someone will make something that will change people's minds." He noted that when Steam launched, many users refused to install it, yet today its absence would feel catastrophic.
Regarding future projects, Willits confirmed that if a team presented an idea with the potential to "change everything," Saber would certainly try it. The company maintains no official policy banning AI but insists on small-scale experimentation rather than risking major titles prematurely.
This stance places Saber among other studios exploring AI tools, such as 1666 Amsterdam, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, and Divinity. However, these moves have often faced fierce backlash due to concerns over environmental impact, copyright issues, and the potential replacement of human artists.
Despite the controversy, Saber remains committed to leveraging new tools to create better experiences. Willits expressed confidence that the industry will eventually figure out a sustainable path forward, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and consumer trust.
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