Saber Interactive's Tim Willits on generative AI, moving development out of North America, and embracing recognisable IP
Saber Interactive has achieved a lot in the past few years, but the most noticeable recent news to come out of the the company was CEO Matthew Karch's unfiltered response to accusations that a writer had been replaced with ChatGPT . When we sit down at Gamescom for the second of two conversations with Saber Interactive's chief creative officer Tim Willits, it's the first thing we ask about. Read…
Saber Interactive CEO Tim Willits discussed the company's use of generative AI and its expansion beyond North America at Gamescom. Willits clarified that Saber has not used AI to replace writers or developers, insisting that all content, including side missions, was written by humans. He expressed interest in exploring AI's potential in the future, noting that a breakthrough use case could change people's perceptions.
Saber Interactive has shifted its development focus away from North America, now operating from 15 studios across Europe, Asia, and Australia. This strategic move is part of a broader industry trend, as headcount is moving from North America to other regions. Willits emphasized Saber's commitment to exploring diverse territories and talent pools, believing that geographical location no longer determines a developer's capabilities.
The company's diverse portfolio includes high-profile releases, such as Stuntman: Hollywood, John Wick, and Turok: Origins, as well as smaller projects like Docked and Bus Bound. Willits highlighted Saber's preference for a middle-ground approach (AA) to gaming, rather than focusing solely on blockbuster titles or tiny indie projects.
He believes that this balanced strategy allows the company to spread its resources and take calculated risks.
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