Tim Willits
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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.
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.
"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 Interactive hands-on with Hellraiser: Revival, Turok: Origins and Stuntman
Saber Interactive showcased upcoming titles Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival, Turok: Origins, and Stuntman: Hollywood at Gamescom. Hellraiser: Revival is a survival horror game set to release on October 8 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC. Turok: Origins is a prequel shooter with co-op, planned for early 2027. Stuntman: Hollywood revives the stunt driving series with movie-themed challenges and is slated for 2027.
Despite horrendous layoffs, obscene hardware prices, and everything else, Saber Interactive exec says 'this is a…
Despite industry-wide challenges like layoffs and high hardware prices, Saber Interactive's Tim Willits believes it's a good time for game development due to accessible platforms like mobile phones and Fortnite. He encourages developers to create games and suggests laid-off talent will be reabsorbed by the industry.
Ori 3 is Not in Development at Saber Interactive, Says Chief Creative Officer
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits has denied that the studio is developing Ori 3, refuting recent rumors. While Saber is working on other exciting projects, Moon Studios' CEO Thomas Mahler stated that they would make a new Ori game if given the go-ahead, calling the rumors nonsense.
"The Half-Life 2 of AI" will change people's minds about AI, Saber exec says after CEO claims he'd…
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits believes a breakthrough game, akin to Half-Life 2's impact, will eventually change public perception of generative AI in gaming. While the company is experimenting with AI in its game Rideshare Stimulator, Willits acknowledges the industry is still figuring out its place and consumer acceptance, contrasting it with the established utility of platforms like Steam. Despite industry backlash and legal concerns, Willits remains optimistic about AI's potential.
Saber Boss Reacts To The Death Of Physical Games And Rising Console Prices
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits shared his thoughts on the decline of physical games and the rising cost of consoles. While acknowledging the convenience of digital titles and his personal shift away from physical media, Willits noted that Saber still profits from physical game sales, particularly in Europe. He also speculated about a future "AI box" for games and expressed concern over current console prices, suggesting it will be interesting to see how Sony and Microsoft navigate this trend with future hardware.
