Saber Interactive
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Tim Willits doesn't think Rideshare's generative AI is damaging Saber's reputation
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits addressed the controversy surrounding the use of generative AI in their upcoming game, Rideshare Simulator. Despite backlash and a lack of initial disclosure on Steam, Willits believes the AI's use in the game's Free Ride mode is a contained experiment that won't damage the company's reputation, citing past industry shifts like Quake 3's hardware requirements and Steam's launch as examples of initial player apprehension towards new technology.
Get Off The Beaten Track With Bus Bound: Old Town Roads
The final DLC for the bus simulator Bus Bound, titled Old Town Roads, is now available for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. This expansion shifts the gameplay from urban environments to scenic country lanes and introduces a new minibus designed for rugged terrain. A free update also adds an 'Open Map' mode for players seeking more freedom.
We played Turok: Origins on Nintendo Switch 2, here are our thoughts
A preview of Turok: Origins on the Nintendo Switch 2 reveals a prequel to the classic franchise developed by Saber Interactive. The game features both first-person and third-person perspectives, satisfying gunplay with finishers, and a bow-and-arrow combat option. Despite a delay for polishing, the demo showed promise with responsive controls and a strong adherence to the Turok vibe.
The Emperor would approve of Total War Warhammer 40k, Creative Assembly says. I can't help but agree.
Creative Assembly's Total War: Warhammer 40,000 aims to distill the vast Warhammer 40,000 universe into manageable, immersive campaigns. The game focuses on specific segments of the galaxy, allowing players to experience granular battles with meaningful stakes, reminiscent of Helldivers 2. The preview highlights accessible gameplay for newcomers and deep customization options, drawing inspiration from Space Marine 2.
While still headquartered in the US, Saber exec Tim Willits says it has 'no real development in North America…
Saber Interactive Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that the company has largely ceased game development in North America, focusing instead on global subsidiaries while maintaining publishing operations in the US. Willits criticized the high costs and perceived inefficiency of many North American triple-A studios, contrasting them with Saber's more cost-effective development approach for titles like Space Marine 2 and SnowRunner.
Space Marine 2 dev says its games are so profitable in part because they're made outside of the US, and the company has "no real development in North America any more"
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits attributes the profitability of games like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 partly to their development outside of North America, citing significantly lower costs. The company has reduced its North American development operations, focusing instead on Europe where salaries are lower. Willits also contrasted the development cost and sales of Space Marine 2 with a major North American studio's recent release, highlighting that high budgets are not always necessary for success.
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits on generative AI, moving development out of North America, and embracing recognisable IP
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits discusses the company's stance on generative AI, stating they are experimenting with it but not replacing human developers. He also highlights Saber's strategy of global development across 15 studios, focusing on AA titles and recognizable intellectual property, emphasizing disciplined budgeting and flexible team structures.
How Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 Will Benefit From Tech Improvements Made for John Carpenter's Toxic Commando
Saber Interactive's development chief Tim Willits stated that the technology developed for John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, despite underperforming commercially for publisher Focus Entertainment, will benefit the upcoming Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3. The tech work was considered successful in commercial terms for Saber Interactive.
Saber Interactive has "no real development in North America any more"
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that the company no longer has significant game development operations in North America, with development now spread across 15 global studios. He emphasized the need for smart location choices in game development and criticized wasteful spending on large-scale projects, citing SnowRunner and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 as examples of cost-effective successes.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 Benefits From Tech Advancements in Toxic Commando, Says CCO
Saber Interactive's CCO Tim Willits stated that technological advancements made for John Carpenter's Toxic Commando will benefit Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3. He highlighted improvements in AI, larger swarms, and the introduction of player-driven vehicles as key tech pillars supporting future games. Willits also expressed confidence in the ongoing development of Space Marine 3, fueled by the success of Space Marine 2 and a commitment to the Warhammer 40K universe.
Saber Interactive's chief creative officer says "We've never replaced anybody with AI"
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that the company has not replaced any employees with AI, despite a public dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco. While experimenting with AI tools for features like voice generation and optional game modes in 'Rideshare Stimulator', Willits emphasized that core game content is human-written and that the company is exploring AI's potential without widespread integration into production pipelines.
Saber Interactive is Not Using Generative AI for Licensed Games, Says CCO
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that the company is not using generative AI in its licensed games, including Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3, Turok: Origins, and Jurassic Park Survival. While experimenting with AI in the rideshare simulator game, Willits believes the industry has not yet figured out its practical application in game development. This clarification comes amidst controversy surrounding the use of AI in the rideshare game and a former writer's claims of being replaced.
'There is absolutely no generative AI in Space Marine 3' promises Saber Interactive executive
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that their upcoming game, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, will not utilize generative AI in its development. While Saber is experimenting with AI in smaller projects like Rideshare Stimulator, they are being cautious with major titles, especially those with licensed properties like Warhammer 40,000.
Saber CCO Tim Willits is still bullish on AI, but concerned about its environmental impact: 'Elon wants to put servers in space. That could be the answer, right?'
Saber Interactive CCO Tim Willits expressed optimism about AI in game development but voiced significant concerns regarding its environmental impact, citing data center energy consumption. He humorously suggested Elon Musk's idea of space-based servers as a potential solution. The discussion also touched upon Saber's use of AI in 'Rideshare Stimulator' and a past controversy involving a writer.
Saber Interactive CCO says studio won't change its comms strategy after AI writer controversy
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated the studio will not change its communications strategy following a controversy where the CEO suggested replacing a writer with AI. Despite the CEO's apology to the writer, Willits indicated the company stands by its direct communication style, referencing past backlash over game releases and expressing confidence in their upcoming titles.
Saber CCO says the studio isn't changing up its comms strategy after recent controversies: 'There's…
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated the studio will not change its communication strategy despite recent controversies. The studio faced backlash over its handling of a writer's termination and the use of AI in game development for 'Rideshare Stimulator'. Willits believes the games themselves will ultimately speak for the company.
Saber CCO Tim Willits blames layoffs on games industry overspecialization: 'Studios that have a couple hundred employees that work on one game are going to struggle'
Saber Interactive CCO Tim Willits attributes some of the games industry's current struggles, including layoffs, to an overreliance on large-scale games with highly specialized teams. He suggests that studios with a more flexible approach, able to move resources between projects of varying scopes and develop smaller, unexpected hits like SnowRunner, are better positioned for survival and creative success.
Confirmed: No Generative AI in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3
Saber Interactive has confirmed that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 will not feature generative AI, following fan backlash to its use in other games. The developer reassured players that the technology is not being used in the upcoming title.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando gets a brand new mode in a big free update
John Carpenter's Toxic Commando has received a significant free update introducing a new Retrieval Mode where players must collect relics and extract before being overwhelmed by zombies. The update also adds new enemies like Goblins, weapons such as the Le Clairon assault rifle and Flamethrower, a Dash ability, and improvements to vehicles and AI bots. A separate cosmetic DLC and a promotion involving Fortnite are also available.
"We can get any IP" - Saber CCO on why reviving dormant franchises is the big, obvious secret the the publisher's success, and why Xbox could learn from it
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits believes the company's success stems from its strategy of reviving dormant franchises and ensuring projects can generate four times their cost. He highlighted titles like World War Z and Snow Runner as examples of profitable ventures, and suggested that larger companies like Microsoft could benefit from a similar approach by revitalizing underutilized IPs.
