id Software's former co-owner says they absolutely would've used gen AI back in the day: 'John Carmack would be like making Skynet or something'

Tim Willits, the co-owner of id Software from 1995-2019, discussed the use of generative AI in games during an interview at Gamescom 2026. Willits explained that Saber Interactive, of which he is a co-owner, is currently experimenting with AI in their future games. However, they have not yet incorporated AI into their main titles, such as Rideshare Simulator.

Instead, the AI is being used in a limited, optional game mode called Free Ride to generate new stories for passengers. Willits emphasized that the AI components are not present in their big titles, including Hellraiser, Turok, or Stuntman. He believes that generative AI could become a groundbreaking technology, potentially leading to the creation of a Half-Life 2 of AI, a game that would revolutionize the industry.

Despite his skepticism about the current applications of generative AI in games, Willits acknowledged that id Software, under John Carmack's leadership, would have likely embraced the technology if it had been available during their early days.