Tim Willits, former co-owner of id Software and current CCO of Saber Interactive, suggested that the legendary game studio would have readily adopted generative AI technology if it had existed during its formative years. Speaking at Gamescom 2026, Willits speculated that id Software's forward-thinking ethos, exemplified by groundbreaking titles like Quake and Doom, would have naturally led them to explore and integrate AI in innovative ways. He humorously posited that id Software co-founder John Carmack, known for his technical prowess, might have even been developing something akin to Skynet if the tools had been available.
Willits drew parallels between the industry's reaction to early graphical advancements and the current discourse around AI. He recalled the significant backlash id Software faced in 1999 with the release of Quake 3, which mandated the use of graphics cards, a requirement many derided as a costly and unnecessary burden on the industry. This historical context, he argued, underscores how pioneering technologies often meet initial resistance before becoming industry standards.
Saber Interactive itself is currently experimenting with AI, notably in its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator. The studio has faced scrutiny following claims that it delayed AI disclosures on Steam and controversially replaced a writer with AI. Willits clarified that while the main campaign and side missions of Rideshare Simulator are human-written, AI is being employed for an optional Free Ride mode to generate dynamic passenger interactions and unique stories. This approach, he explained, is an experimental effort to understand AI's potential applications on a smaller scale.
Despite the ongoing controversies and skepticism surrounding generative AI's current utility in game development, Willits remains optimistic about its future. He anticipates that a breakthrough title, a 'Half-Life 2 of AI' as he put it, will emerge, demonstrating AI's transformative potential. He emphasized that the ultimate validation for AI in gaming will come from the games themselves, encouraging players to experience Saber's experimental use in Rideshare Simulator and form their own opinions.