Saber Interactive, the developer behind upcoming titles like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, believes that a single, impactful application of generative AI in gaming could fundamentally alter public perception. This sentiment comes in the wake of controversy surrounding the company's game, Rideshare Stimulator, which faced backlash for its use of AI technologies.
Tim Willits, Saber's chief creative officer, acknowledged the ongoing experimentation with generative AI across the industry. "We are experimenting with it," Willits stated in an interview, emphasizing that this exploration is primarily in its nascent stages. He clarified that Saber is not currently implementing AI across its major projects, with Rideshare Stimulator serving as a limited test case. "We don't have an official policy; we don't use it outright across all our projects."
Rideshare Stimulator utilizes generative AI for aspects such as voice generation, localization, and radio station music. Its Free Ride mode also employs AI to create missions and dialogue. Saber CEO Matthew Karch, in a public statement addressing the controversy, highlighted the importance of embracing innovation. "Emerging tech like AI will always provoke strong reactions," Karch wrote. "While industry shifts are uncomfortable, hiding from them isn't an option."
Willits echoed this sentiment, framing Rideshare Stimulator as a small-scale endeavor ideal for testing disruptive technologies. "You don't want to risk it on something big, because there's risk there, but somebody will," he explained, suggesting that a more significant AI-driven game will inevitably emerge. He compared the potential shift in AI acceptance to the early days of Steam, which initially faced skepticism but is now an industry standard.
Other studios, including Panache, Owlcat, and Larian, have also engaged with generative AI tools during their development processes, albeit often with similar criticisms arising. Concerns range from environmental impact and copyright issues to the potential displacement of human artists and questions about the nature of creativity itself.
Despite these controversies, Willits remains optimistic about AI's future in gaming. "Everyone has their own opinion, and maybe I'm being too optimistic, but somebody will make the Half-Life 2 of AI," he asserted. He believes that a game with the cultural impact and innovation of Valve's Half-Life 2, but powered by AI, could fundamentally change how players and developers view the technology. If a team at Saber were to propose such a groundbreaking project, Willits indicated that the company would be open to exploring it, provided it was a compelling and innovative concept.