World War Z
News, coverage and analysis tracking World War Z across the outlets.
Latest coverage
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.
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.
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 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.
"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.
Saber exec: The game industry must look beyond North America and dilute risk
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits argues the game industry needs to look beyond North America to mitigate rising development costs and financial risks. He highlights Saber's success with titles like SnowRunner and World War Z, which were developed economically with smaller teams, contrasting this with the expensive, overscoped projects often seen from North American publishers. Willits also advocates for slate funding and co-development to dilute risk and ensure profitability.
After Space Marine 2 'literally changed everything', Saber Interactive has been inundated with offers from major licenses: 'We are in a very fortunate position to turn down more than we can accept'
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2's success has significantly boosted the studio's reputation and led to numerous offers from major license holders. The company is now in a strong position to selectively choose future projects, aiming to leverage existing fanbases for safer bets like Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival.
"This has got to be the most awesome toaster ever": Saber on building upon hits like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was a pivotal success that changed how the studio approaches game development and how they are perceived. He indicated that the studio is in a strong position, able to turn down more licensed game opportunities than they accept, and plans to continue working on adaptations of existing properties like Hellraiser and World War Z, noting the success of the latter may even inspire a new movie.
Alongside its own big successes, Saber Interactive is sticking with indies - here's why
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits and Todd Hollenshead discussed the studio's commitment to supporting indie games, even as they work on their own larger titles like Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2. They highlighted lessons learned from working with smaller teams on games like Bus Bound and The Knightling, emphasizing the importance of focused game design and proper scoping. Saber Interactive aims to continue partnering with independent developers in the future.
Space Marine 2 dev shows off new Turok: Origins gameplay
Saber Interactive has released new gameplay footage for their upcoming Turok reboot, Turok: Origins. The trailer showcases the game's blend of shooting and melee combat against dinosaurs, highlighting character loadouts and co-op features for up to four players. Turok: Origins is set to launch this autumn on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Morning Multiplex
Steam Next Fest is returning with limited-time recipes, and the World War Z game is receiving a 'Limitless Strain' update. The article also mentions official trailers being released.
World War Z Keeps The Horde Coming With Huge Limitless Strain Update And New DLC Packs
Saber Interactive has released the free Limitless Strain Update for World War Z, adding new Horde Mode challenges, mutators, weapon perks, and unlockables across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Two new premium cosmetic DLC packs featuring Chibi weapon skins are also available. The update also introduces Xbox Play Anywhere support, allowing seamless cross-platform play and progression.
WORLD WAR Z’S NEW “LIMITLESS STRAIN” UPDATE IS OUT NOW ON PC, PLAYSTATION & XBOX
Saber Interactive has released the free "Limitless Strain" update for World War Z on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. This update introduces new mutators, weapon perks, daily challenges for Horde Mode, and premium weapon skin DLC packs. The update also enhances Xbox Play Anywhere support, allowing cross-saves and crossplay between PC and Xbox versions.
World War Z Limitless Strain update adds more hordes and mutators – Now an Xbox Play Anywhere game
Saber Interactive has released the free Limitless Strain update for World War Z, adding new Horde Mode challenges, mutators, unlockable frames, and bonus weapons. The game is now also an Xbox Play Anywhere title, allowing cross-progression and cross-play between Xbox and PC. The update includes eight new Daily Challenges and six new mutators, with premium weapon skin packs available for purchase.
"Hydra is polished and battle-tested" – Why Saber Interactive is opening up its live-ops tool all developers
Saber Interactive has made its proprietary live-ops tool, Hydra, available to all developers. Head of game services Dmitri Brevdo explained that the battle-tested platform supports functions like cross-platform play and matchmaking, and can be integrated into games using Unreal Engine 5, Unity, or Saber's Swarm engine. The usage-based pricing model is designed to be cost-effective, with Saber aiming to balance standardization and flexibility for future integrations.
Nintendo Switch eShop deals – lowest prices ever for Enter and Exit the Gungeon, Untitled Goose Game, more
The North American Nintendo Switch eShop is featuring new deals, including the lowest prices ever for games like Enter the Gungeon, Exit the Gungeon, and Untitled Goose Game. The sale includes a wide variety of titles, with discounts on many popular and indie games.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando review – Braindead Holiday
John Carpenter's Toxic Commando offers a brain-off, chaotic co-op shooter experience reminiscent of loud, messy B-movies. While John Carpenter's direct involvement is minimal, the game blends elements of World War Z and MudRunner with satisfying combat and driving mechanics. Despite repetitive objectives, it provides a fun, messy, and entertaining experience for players looking to cause carnage with friends.
Survival Films Built on Sustained Tension and High-Stakes Drama
This article explores the appeal of survival and disaster films, highlighting their ability to generate intensity and explore the human spirit's resilience. It presents a list of 15 notable films in the genre, ranging from post-apocalyptic tales like 'The Book of Eli' to natural disaster epics like 'The Impossible' and '2012'.
Survival Films That Explore the Limits of Human Endurance
This article ranks 15 survival and disaster films that explore human endurance against extreme odds. The list includes titles like The Book of Eli, Bird Box, The Impossible, and The Martian, highlighting their unique approaches to themes of resilience, hope, and the will to survive in catastrophic scenarios.
